Knee decisions — 2006

The Board granted a combined rating of 30 percent for the left knee disability from September 14, 2005. The veteran's claim for residuals of a left foot injury is pending and will be remanded to the RO.

The case is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing at the earliest available opportunity.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disorder and hypertension, but granted service connection for a seizure/syncopal disorder. The initial rating for the right knee disorder remains denied.

The veteran's service-connected right knee disability necessitated a period of convalescence for an additional 6 months, through November 30, 2002. The Board finds that extension of the temporary total rating is warranted.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee disability and diagnosed the veteran with rheumatoid arthritis, finding no evidence of a nexus between current knee problems and military service.

The veteran's widow seeks service connection for various conditions, including his cause of death and diabetes mellitus, colon cancer, hypertension, and metastatic cancer. The appeal is being remanded to determine if the veteran served in Vietnam or had other qualifying service that would allow for presumptive service connection due to herbicide exposure.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and proper VCAA notification.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and several skin disorders. The appeals were reopened on new evidence.

The veteran's service-connected right and left knee chondromalacia, as well as his lumbar spine disability, are each rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical opinion from Dr. B., who treated the appellant's knee disability, and for compliance with procedural requirements.

The veteran seeks service connection for tinnitus and various disabilities including a low back disability, neck disability, left knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The RO is directed to obtain relevant medical records and arrange for the veteran to undergo examination by an orthopedic specialist.,The veteran seeks service connection for his low back disability, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The RO is directed to obtain relevant medical records and arrange for the veteran to undergo examination by an orthopedic specialist.,The veteran seeks service connection for his neck disability, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The RO is directed to obtain relevant medical records and arrange for the veteran to undergo examination by an orthopedic specialist.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee injury does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for psychiatric disorder, asthma, hepatitis, and residuals of a right knee disorder due to lack of evidence showing in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bruised rib disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating since August 11, 1998. The veteran's right knee disability is also in appellate status.

The Board has granted service connection for chondromalacia of the patella in both knees.

The veteran is seeking an increased initial disability rating for his service-connected right knee bursitis. The Board has determined that there are additional VA medical records and a need for further examination to determine the current severity of his condition.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, provide proper VCAA notice, and schedule the veteran for a VA examination to assess his right knee and back conditions.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee associated with postoperative residuals of left knee patellectomy is being remanded due to potential pyramiding under different diagnostic codes.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a Travel Board hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Board has determined that an examination is necessary in the case and remands for further development.