Knee decisions — 2004

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for examinations and the retrieval of Social Security Administration records.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused or contributed to by any service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for cause of death.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased ratings for chondromalacia of his right and left knees due to incomplete examination reports, failure to provide proper VCAA notice, and other procedural issues.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for a laceration on the right knee and service connection for bilateral degenerative joint disease of the knees are being remanded due to inadequate examination records.

The Board found that the veteran's death was not caused by a service-connected condition and did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss. The claim for hepatitis was reopened on new evidence, but the other conditions are not supported by the evidence presented.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including headaches and a right knee disability, are severe enough to prevent her from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to issues related to service connection for various ankle and knee disorders.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a low back disorder and granted it. The veteran's right knee disorder, including as secondary to a low back disorder, is also considered. However, there was no specific rating assigned or effective date provided.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected osteochondritis dissecans of the right and left knees, with a 30 percent rating assigned for each knee.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The case is being remanded to the RO for further development and adjudication due to issues related to an effective date earlier than February 18, 1988, for a total disability evaluation. The VBA AMC must also consider whether the March 1985 communication from the veteran constituted a timely and valid notice of disagreement (NOD) in connection with a December 1984 VA rating decision denying entitlement to a total disability evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's right knee disability, finding that it is directly related to his military service.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current right knee disorder to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and increased ratings for his knee disabilities were denied. The veteran does not have a current diagnosis of PTSD, and the Board found no evidence to support service connection for any other claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's preexisting left knee and shoulder conditions were aggravated by service, allowing for service connection.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claim can be decided.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical records and further evaluation of his right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis, warrants a rating of 40 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected injuries to the left Muscle Group XV from gunshot wound and traumatic arthritis of the left knee are being remanded due to inadequate examination records and incomplete treatment records.