Knee decisions — 2010

The Veteran's left total knee replacement was rated at 30 percent from August 1, 2004 to March 25, 2009. The Board has determined that the condition more nearly approximates a rating of 60 percent for this period.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities, as well as his lumbar spine disability, are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the right knee, left knee, and left shoulder are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings and TDIU. Service connection for PTSD was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for further development. The current highest possible rating of 40 percent has been assigned since August 10, 2007.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for hypertension and evaluation of degenerative changes, left knee. Specifically, a VA examination is required to determine the nature and etiology of hypertension, as well as an orthopedic examination to assess the current level of severity of the degenerative joint disease of the left knee.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee degenerative joint disease and patellofemoral syndrome, as well as left knee degenerative joint disease and patellofemoral syndrome, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his right knee disability, including stability.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is denied because his service dates do not correspond to any recognized period of war, thus he does not meet the basic eligibility requirements.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a left knee disability. He argues that he injured his knee during service when driving a bulldozer in Germany and hit a mine, causing the disability. The Board has determined that an examination is needed to determine if the current left knee disability was caused or aggravated by any incident in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and bilateral knee disabilities are not related to service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his duodenal ulcer and right knee disability are being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder, including internal derangement, was incurred in active service and granted service connection for a total left knee replacement following a total left meniscectomy and the onset of degenerative joint disease (DJD).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, which he claims is related to an in-service injury. The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for a VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his left knee disability was granted, with a 30 percent evaluation effective March 1, 2002.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and back disorders are at least as likely as not related to service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for higher evaluations for his right knee disability is denied as the evidence does not show that he meets the criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 30 percent for the period from January 1, 2006, to August 28, 2007, or in excess of 40 percent for the period beginning August 29, 2007.