Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for service-connected tooth #9 and his claim for service connection for headaches have been denied. The remaining issues are not addressed as they were remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective prior to August 8, 2011. He also meets the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee strain and patellar tendonitis, right knee strain, and center chest disability.,Service connection was not granted as there is no evidence linking current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are found to preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants entitlement to TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disorder is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a right knee disability and low back disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and an examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disabilities were denied. The RO granted a separate 10 percent rating for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, but denied an increase in rating for residuals of meniscectomy of the right knee.

The Veteran's bladder hyperactivity is rated at 40 percent, and she meets the criteria for a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including right knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, right hand disability, sleep disorder, drug and alcohol abuse, and groin pain. The decision also addressed a claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for erectile dysfunction resulting from treatment at VA facilities in December 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disability. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records, as well as further development of his claims.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his low back, neck, wrist, ankle, and knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not support a rating higher than 40 percent for his lumbosacral spine disability, 30 percent for his cervical spine disability, 10 percent for his right wrist injury, 10 percent for his right ankle disability, or 10 percent for his right knee tendonitis.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Veteran's spouse does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee, right hip and low back disabilities are not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hip and knee degenerative joint disease, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee degenerative joint disease is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address the relationship between his service-connected patellofemoral syndrome (PFS), left knee, and his April 2012 fall.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for a hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's current back disability is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disability. The claim will be returned to the RO after this additional development.