Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bilateral fallen arches, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of her medical records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee disability and restless leg syndrome, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active military service or a service-connected condition.

The Board finds that the appellant's current right knee injury residuals are related to an October 14, 2001, right knee injury incurred during a period of inactive duty training (IDT) while a Senior ROTC cadet. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the February 2002 rating decisions denying service connection for a knee disability and headaches were not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. The claims of reopening service connection for these conditions have been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations, finding that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of the current 20 percent for chondromalacia of the left knee, 10 percent for instability of the left knee, and 10 percent for limitation of flexion of both knees.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete development of his records and examination. The Veteran is required to provide additional evidence, including treatment records from his Naval Reserve service and civilian employment with the United States Postal Service.

The Veteran's partial ankylosis of the right knee with degenerative changes is manifested by symptoms including painful motion, but no objective evidence of recurrent subluxation or lateral instability. The current rating of 30 percent is appropriate.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred from June 1998 to April 2003 at Premier Medical Ear, Nose, and Throat Group. The denial was based on the absence of prior authorization, non-emergent nature of the treatment, and lack of feasibly available VA facilities.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease on a presumptive basis due to herbicide exposure. The Veteran's left knee disorder remains in dispute and requires further examination and review.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left lateral meniscectomy is granted. The Board finds that the current left knee disorder may be secondary to the preexisting residuals of a left lateral meniscectomy.

The Board has granted service connection for post-operative residuals of a right knee disorder, including chronic synovitis, finding that the condition was aggravated during active service.

The Veteran's DJD of the left knee, osteoarthritis of the hips (claimed as hip dysplasia), and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine are all found to be incurred in or aggravated by active service. However, hypertension is not found to be related to service, and residuals of exposure to tincture of Merthiolate were not shown to be incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability was not incurred or aggravated during his active duty service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as the Board needs additional information regarding his employability and the combined effect of all his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a Travel Board hearing due to the Veteran's request.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an updated VA opinion regarding the appellant's skin disabilities, including those diagnosed during the appeal period. The opinion must reconcile with previous examinations and address the June 30, 2008 VA treatment note.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a direct service connection for the Veteran's right knee and ankle disabilities, nor can they be linked as secondary to his service-connected left knee osteoarthritis. The claims were therefore denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by postoperative residuals with traumatic arthritis and limited flexion, is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's osteomyelitis of the left and right tibia, as well as his osteoarthritis of the right knee with subsequent knee replacement, are all considered to be directly related to service.,However, the decision is mixed because some issues were granted (osteomyelitis) while others were not (osteoarthritis).