Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder is related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's hypertension is service-connected as secondary to PTSD. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been established, and the Veteran's right knee conditions have initial ratings of 10 percent each.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee and thoracolumbar spine disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations. The appeals for increased ratings are denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's lumbar spine retrolisthesis and left knee torn medial retinaculum with patellar subluxation are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that these conditions do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for neuroma of the left knee is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of other impairment of the knee.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left hip disability, right knee disability, and migraine headaches are denied. The claim for PTSD is granted with a 30% evaluation effective from March 14, 2007.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and the need for further development of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's service-connected diabetic neuropathy in both lower extremities is rated at 30 percent, reflecting severe incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve (common peroneal).

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability was granted in June 2006, effective December 16, 2005. The Board found that the earliest date of entitlement to this benefit is September 28, 2005.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his active service and have denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee sprain has been rated as 10 percent disabling, and his headaches have not met the criteria for a compensable evaluation. Both conditions are currently assigned the lowest possible evaluations.

The Veteran's bilateral retinopathy is reasonably related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus and has been granted as secondary service connection. The other issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for his right knee injury was remanded due to the need for a hearing before a travel board at the Portland, Oregon RO.

The Veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records, including those from Social Security Administration and VA Vocational Rehabilitation Education.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a right knee disability. The Veteran also received increased ratings for multiple non-compensable service-connected disabilities prior to September 28, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for the residuals of a shrapnel wound to the chest is granted. However, his claim for service connection for a left knee disability is denied.

The Veteran's claim for reimbursement or payment of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Forsyth Medical Center on September 8, 2007 was denied as the treatment did not meet the criteria set forth in 38 U.S.C.A. § 1728.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection for residuals of a right knee injury is granted. The claim for an increased rating for chronic herniated nucleus pulposus L5-S1 with right radiculopathy remains viable, as does the claims for initial compensable ratings for plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spurs and complaint of heel pain in both feet.