Knee decisions — 2010

The Veteran requested an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability, but later withdrew the appeal. As a result, the Board does not have jurisdiction to review this issue.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not shown to be of such severity so as to preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a back or bilateral knee disability due to disease or injury incurred in service, and denied both claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied due to her failure to report for a VA examination scheduled in August 2007. The Board found that she did not provide good cause for missing the examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, chronic headaches, and coronary artery disease with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation were denied. The Veteran's mood disorder claim is remanded to the RO.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, including their flexion and laxity limitations, are currently rated at 10 percent each. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and the possible existence of outstanding VA medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while significant, do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a left knee disability, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss are denied. The claim for an increased rating for lumbar spondylosis is also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional notification and development, including providing VCAA notice, conducting an examination to determine the severity of his service-connected disabilities, and ensuring that all evidence has been considered.

The Veteran's claimed conditions (degenerative arthritis of the ankles and knees) were not shown in service or within one year after service. The medical evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to events during service. As such, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his low back disability and the severity of his left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his previously denied left knee disability is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying the Veteran's representative.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a medical examination and further development of the claim.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right and left knee disabilities were denied, but he was granted a 10 percent evaluation for his left knee disability. His claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Board has remanded the appeal for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing VA examinations to assess the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder and back disorder.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine with degenerative arthritis and left knee degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 40 percent disabling since September 1, 2004. His leukopenia claim was denied.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for most conditions, and there was no indication of any exposure to known causative agents.