Knee decisions — 2009

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and residuals of a fracture of the left femur, as well as his claim for TDIU, were denied by the Board.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims of service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, and cervical spine disability. However, the appellant's preexisting conditions were not aggravated during active service or are otherwise related to her military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee condition is related to his military service, resolving all doubts in favor of the claim and granting service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that these conditions preexisted service and did not increase in severity therein.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee and low back disabilities were denied. The left knee disability was rated at 10 percent, while the low back disability received a noncompensable rating prior to October 7, 2008, but was later granted a 10 percent evaluation effective from that date.

The Veteran's service connection claim for gunshot shrapnel wounds of both knees is granted, as the Board finds that his current knee disabilities are at least as likely related to injuries sustained during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while rated at a combined evaluation of 70 percent, do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining pertinent records from SSA.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his right knee disability, right hip disability, and lumbar strain have been denied as they do not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by slight instability and degenerative changes, does not meet the criteria for a combined rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations prior to June 22, 2007 was denied as there is no objective evidence of left knee instability. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent on and after August 1, 2008 was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of a left wrist fracture are secondary to his service-connected right knee disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected hypothyroidism and knee disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disorder is not related to his active service or periods of inactive duty for training, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has ordered a remand to gather missing service records and determine the nature of any diagnosed disabilities, including whether they are related to undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and proper notice.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a left knee disability due to new and material evidence. However, it was not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings or service connection.

The Veteran's multiple disabilities do not meet the criteria for a special monthly pension by reason of being in need of aid and attendance or on account of being housebound.