Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a left knee disability and the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was less likely as not caused by his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure. As such, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 40% rating from June 18, 2010. The left knee arthritis and instability issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's compound fracture of the upper third, left fibula has been rated at the highest available schedular rating (30%) throughout the appeal period. No new issues have arisen that would warrant a different rating.

The Veteran's right knee disorder, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis with instability, has been rated at 10% since November 23, 2009. The initial rating was granted in March 2008 and adjusted to the current level in March 2011.

The Veteran's right knee bursitis is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, with limitation of extension to 10 degrees. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's left knee disorder and whether it was caused or aggravated by service. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board found that the Veteran's claims were denied as there was no evidence of a reduction in disability rating or service connection issues related to exposure. The maximum schedular ratings for her knee disabilities have been granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause him to need aid and attendance. The Veteran will be provided a VA examination to determine this.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a bilateral hip disorder or a bilateral knee disorder, and therefore cannot establish service connection for these conditions. The Board also found no evidence to support a finding that any current knee disorders are related to military service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current left knee disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee and leg shrapnel wounds is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new examination.

The Veteran's arthritis of the hips and knees were not found to be related to service, but his ankle disabilities have been granted initial ratings.,The Veteran was awarded a 10% rating for each of his right and left ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and to obtain a supplemental opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability, including chondromalacia.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA outpatient treatment records and information from private providers. The right knee sciatic nerve irritation issue will be reconsidered.

The Board found that there is no competent evidence of a current bilateral knee disability and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The increased rating claim for bilateral hearing loss was remanded due to lack of recent VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is a service-connected condition, as it was present during active duty and continues to cause symptoms since then.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability, degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, internal derangement of the left knee, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee was denied. The Board found no current disability related to service.

The Veteran's claim for secondary service connection for his left knee and hip disorders is being remanded due to the need for a proper medical examination.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee condition and low back condition, including an examination to determine if any current conditions are related to service or pre-existing injuries.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and rating of his gastrointestinal disability were denied. The Board found that the residuals of duodenal ulcer with a history of gastritis, duodenitis, and hiatal hernia warranted a 10% evaluation.