Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is currently rated as noncompensably disabling. The VA examiners found that the symptomatology associated with the disability more nearly approximated limitation of flexion to 110 degrees and limitation of extension to 10 degrees, without additional limitations due to pain or instability.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is being remanded for a thorough examination and opinion to determine if it is related to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the appellant's right knee disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations, updated medical records, and further development.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for postoperative residuals of a right hip replacement is being remanded to the RO due to procedural issues and potential development needs.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right and left knee disorders due to insufficient development, including a lack of adequate medical nexus opinions.

The Board found that the Veteran did not have diabetes mellitus or a right knee disability incurred in service, and denied both claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected knee disabilities and TDIU are pending. His claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only has been denied. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of right foot injury is reopened, but the Veteran's current claim for service connection remains pending.

The Board found that there is no current disability caused by shrapnel wounds, and the Veteran's claim of service connection for shrapnel wounds to the legs was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of her medical records.

The Veteran's right knee disability, specifically the residuals of partial lateral meniscectomy, is rated at a compensable level (10%) for the entire initial rating period. The left knee disability, patellofemoral syndrome, also warrants a compensable rating (10%).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing foot conditions, including claw foot and edema, were aggravated by service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left knee and left hip existed prior to service and was not aggravated beyond its natural progression by active military service.

The Board finds that the appellant's left knee disorder clearly and unmistakably existed before service, and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining a detailed medical opinion from Dr. Webb regarding whether the veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus caused or aggravated his non-service-connected bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and TriCare treatment records, as well as scheduling the Veteran for VA examinations to assess his current knee disabilities and pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, left ankle, bilateral wrist conditions, and an acquired psychiatric disorder were denied. The Board found no evidence of current disabilities or in-service events that could be linked to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle strain, left ankle strain, and right knee strain were evaluated as zero percent disabling in each ankle prior to June 12, 2008. Effective June 12, 2008, the Veteran was assigned a 10 percent rating for each of these conditions.,The VA examinations conducted on June 12, 2008, showed that the Veteran's service-connected right ankle strain and left ankle strain were manifested by painful moderate limitation of motion. The right knee strain was manifested by complaints of painful motion and slightly limited knee flexion.

The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 was denied as there is no evidence showing that his additional disabilities were caused by VA fault in providing medical treatment.