Knee decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for degenerative joint disease, left knee and service connection for heart disability. The initial rating of 10% was upheld, but the claim for a higher rating was denied. Service connection for heart disability was also denied.

The Board finds that the veteran's current right knee disability is causally linked to his in-service injury, warranting service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his low back and left knee disabilities, as well as a TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including VA examinations.

The Board found that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the veteran sustained a right knee injury during active duty, ACDUTRA, or inactive duty training. Therefore, service connection for his right knee disability is denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the veteran's service dates and obtain all relevant medical records. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for higher SMC ratings and an earlier effective date, finding that he did not meet the criteria for a higher level of care or aid and attendance based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a chronic rib pain disorder and the veteran's left knee chondromalacia patella does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating greater than 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and chronic cough. The VA determined that there was no evidence of onset during active service or as a result of a disease or injury of service origin.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and initial disability ratings for various conditions, including psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis of multiple joints, and bilateral pes planus. The decision was final regarding a previous denial of service connection for a mood disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an opinion on whether the veteran's pre-existing right knee condition was aggravated by service and addressing the relationship between his right foot disability and any in-service injury. The pulmonary claim is also inextricably intertwined with the right knee claim.

The veteran's left knee conditions have been rated at 10 percent since the period prior to December 17, 2002. The right knee condition has also been rated at 10 percent.

The January 1996 rating decision that granted service connection for bilateral knees disability and assigned a 20 percent rating did not assign a separate rating for arthritis. The Board found no CUE in this decision.

The veteran's partial medial meniscectomy of the right knee with degenerative joint disease and bilateral inguinal hernia repair are currently rated as noncompensable. The Board finds no basis for a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VCAA notice.

The veteran's case is being remanded for scheduling a Travel Board or videoconference hearing. The appeal involves claims for increased evaluations and service connection.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than the current 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an orthopedic examination.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current low back disability is related to his 1998 motor vehicle accident.

The RO granted a TDIU effective October 10, 1996 based on the veteran's combined rating of 70% due to his service-connected disabilities. However, an earlier effective date is denied as the veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to this date.