Knee decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disorders have been granted, with specific initial ratings assigned. The Veteran is entitled to a 30 percent rating for his right knee disorder prior to April 28, 2008, and a 30 percent rating from June 1, 2009. He is also entitled to a separate 10 percent rating for his left knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the evidence of record is not adequately developed to ensure informed appellate review of the claim on appeal. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need to adjudicate a claim of clear and unmistakable error regarding a 1980 rating decision, which may affect his entitlement to an earlier effective date for bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cold injury of both feet and degenerative joint disease of the knees and legs are being remanded due to incomplete VA medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to failure of the Veteran to report for a VA examination scheduled in August 2009.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 40 percent, effective February 24, 2005. The Board has granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional evidentiary development due to inadequate statements concerning additional limitation of motion after repetitive use and during flare-ups from previous VA examiners.

The Veteran's SLE is rated at 60 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating. The claim for a TDIU was also denied as there were no indications of unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing examination reports and supplemental statements of the case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a left knee injury due to incomplete development and need for an addendum from the VA examiner.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, right knee, left elbow disabilities and an acquired psychiatric disorder (other than dysthymic disorder with anxiety) to include PTSD and depression have been granted. The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the issues of carpal tunnel syndrome of the left wrist and irritable bowel syndrome to include as being due to chemical exposure prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including coronary artery disease due to herbicide exposure in Vietnam, are granted.

The Veteran's right knee and low back disabilities are being remanded for further examination to determine if they are proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and a need for further development of the claims file, including obtaining VA treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle disorder, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The claim for a right knee disorder was not addressed as it did not meet the criteria for reopening.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability and right wrist cyst have been granted with appropriate ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU were denied as his service-connected knee disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions related to knee and elbow osteoarthritis, as well as neurological disorders of the upper and lower extremities. The issues are all secondary to herbicide exposure (presumably burn pit exposure). The Board has remanded for additional STRs from September 1988 to March 1989.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches and chronic left knee problems are related to his active duty service, granting service connection for both conditions.