Knee decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee arthralgia is not attributable to service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and evidence, as well as the need for a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for left hip disorder, left knee disorder, and hearing loss in the right ear. However, no new rating was assigned as his current level of hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back and right knee disorders are not related to his active duty service, with no evidence of a chronic disability during service or any link between his service-connected left knee disorder and his current conditions.

The Board denied increased evaluations for residuals of left knee arthroscopy and degenerative joint disease of the left knee, as there is no evidence of service connection theory other than direct service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's back disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, and bilateral knee disorder are not related to his military service or a service-connected condition. As such, these claims for service connection were denied.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran does not have a left knee condition related to his service and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The VA has granted service connection for a left knee disorder secondary to the veteran's already service-connected right knee condition, and assigned an initial disability rating of 10 percent effective from April 18, 2001. The veteran is seeking an evaluation in excess of this.

The Board has instructed the RO to send supplemental statements of the case (SOC) and a supplemental SOC concerning service connection for right knee and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as an initial evaluation for left knee degenerative joint disease. The veteran's latest address of record must be used.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bipolar disorder is related to his service, warranting service connection.,There is no evidence of a current bilateral knee disability or any link between the veteran's service and such condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability existed prior to his entrance into service and was not aggravated by his active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's irritable bowel syndrome and right knee disorder, including arthritis, were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.,Service connection for a cervical spine disorder, including arthritis, was denied as there is no evidence of an inservice injury.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and low back disability are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records, provide a VA examination, and determine if there is any evidence of in-service injury or disease that may be related to these disabilities.

The veteran's preexisting right knee disorder is claimed to have been aggravated by service, and the Board finds that additional development is needed before it can adjudicate his claim.

The veteran's death was not determined to be service-connected, but the surviving spouse is still eligible for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 due to his prior total disability rating.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's left knee condition, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing VCAA notice regarding reopening claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to September 14, 2000 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU at that time.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral defective hearing, but denied service connection for all other conditions due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and CUE in a May 1994 rating decision, finding that there was no evidence of current disability or new and material evidence to reopen the claim. The RO granted service connection for peroneal nerve palsy and a scar of the right knee with a 10% rating effective April 30, 2007.