Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee, right knee sprain, and bilateral shoulder sprain are being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for right foot, left foot, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to a lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found no evidence of a direct causal relationship between the Veteran's low back and left knee disabilities and his military service, thus denying service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities are being remanded to allow for additional development, including a VA examination during a flare-up of knee pain.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and left knee disability, both secondary to a left ankle sprain, are being remanded due to additional evidence submitted since the last supplemental statement of the case.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the issues of increased evaluations for cervical spine degenerative disc disease with spondylosis and hemorrhoids with an anal fissure. The reduction in evaluation for cervical spine disability was found to be improper.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee and ankle arthritis is service-connected, as there is a continuity of symptoms since his last period of active duty.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic right knee disorder and depression, finding that there is no evidence of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by internal derangement with chondromalacia and episodic subluxation of the patella, is currently rated at 20 percent. He also has a separate evaluation for his subluxation under DC 5257.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for residuals of a right knee arthroplasty, which he contends was caused by negligence or lack of proper skill on the part of VA during treatment at a VA medical center in Bay Pines, Florida.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination to assess the extent of his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, right knee disability, and left knee disability. Specifically, a supplemental medical opinion from Dr. J. regarding the etiology of his current knee conditions and whether his sleep apnea is aggravated by his low back condition are required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus should not be rated higher than 10 percent, effective April 1, 2007. The right knee bursitis is also not entitled to a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection, including obtaining National Guard records and VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with representation and further development is required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, wrist, and elbow disabilities have been denied as there is no evidence of a disease or injury in service that could be linked to the current conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing to be scheduled at the RO. The issues of service connection for hypertension, rating for left knee reconstruction, and rating for limited motion of the left knee are pending.