Knee decisions — 2004

The Board denied the appellant's claim for special monthly death pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance, finding that she does not meet the criteria due to her ability to perform daily activities without assistance.

The case is being remanded for further development due to the need for proper VCAA notice.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing in accordance with his request. The claims will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The veteran's left knee and shoulder disorders were not incurred or aggravated in service.,Service connection was granted for right knee chondromalacia with a rating of 10% effective April 16, 2003.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right hip disorder, low back disorder, and left knee disorder as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities in these areas.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder and residuals of pneumonia. The claims for service connection for the remaining conditions are denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a right knee, shoulder, or arm and elbow disability due to disease or injury incurred in service. The evidence shows no such disabilities during active duty, and any current conditions are not related to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a neck disorder, headache disorder, heart disorder, chest disorder, hemorrhoids, and bilateral knee condition. The RO found that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder disorders, bilateral pes planus, and bilateral hallux valgus.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected left knee condition, currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the case is being remanded to the RO.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a VA examination of the veteran's right knee and post-operative residuals from lipoma removal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and right shoulder disorders due to lack of new and material evidence. The RO previously denied these claims in December 1996, which became final.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and/or notification action.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorder and back disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities involving his hands, knees, wrists, or respiratory system as a result of service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The VA determined that the veteran does not have a current left knee disability, arthritis, or respiratory condition that is service-connected.

The veteran's right knee disability is rated at 30 percent for status post right knee injury with anterior cruciate ligament tear and posterior horn medial meniscal tear, effective January 1, 2001.,Right knee degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, effective April 26, 2003.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for her service-connected left foot disability and service connection for secondary disabilities of the left ankle, knee, hip, and back. The veteran was not found to have a current disability in these areas.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to failure to provide proper VCAA notice and missing VA examinations.

The Board determined that an additional 10 percent disability evaluation for right knee disability due to painful motion was warranted, but did not address the claim for extra-schedular consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right knee disability.