Knee decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right ankle sprain, increased rating for his right knee disability, and compensable rating for erectile dysfunction were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of a right ankle sprain or residuals thereof. For the right knee disability, the Board granted staged ratings based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claim for TBI was received on November 17, 2009. The effective date of service connection is assigned as of that date.,An increased evaluation to 30 percent for allergic rhinitis is granted beginning August 30, 2010.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to new evidence submitted since the previous denial. The Board finds that these conditions are related to her military service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left knee disability, and the issues regarding a back disability and TDIU were also denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed right knee, left knee, right elbow, cervical spine, and lumbar spine disabilities are related to his active military service.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 60 percent since January 1, 2012. The appeal has been granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hand disability, knee disabilities of each knee, and shoulder disabilities of each shoulder. The evidence does not establish a current disability or link to active service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication of the issues on appeal, including obtaining additional evidence and arranging for medical examinations.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to a lack of recent VA examination, worsening condition, and need to distinguish between service-connected and non-service-connected limitations.

The Veteran seeks to reopen his claims for left knee disability, cervical spine disability, rectal cancer, and ulcerative colitis. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted in all cases.,Service connection is granted for left knee disability, cervical spine disability, rectal cancer, and ulcerative colitis.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right knee disability is being remanded due to the failure of the Veteran to report for a VA examination and an incorrect issue listed in the supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been withdrawn, and the cases are dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right and left knee disabilities, coronary artery disease, a scar associated with a coronary artery bypass graft, hemorrhoids, right urethral calculus, left inguinal herniorraphy, left wrist ganglion, and hypertension have met the percentage requirements for the award of a schedular TDIU. The combined rating is 90 percent since October 27, 2005.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral ankle and knee disabilities are not related to service, including any in-service injury. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorders, including left total knee replacement and right knee degenerative joint disease, are related to his service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for right knee and ankle disorders were denied. The claim for right hip disorder is pending, as the VA examiner has not yet provided a definitive opinion regarding its onset or etiology. The Veteran's diabetes and hypertension are both rated at their maximum levels.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claims of service connection for right knee, low back, and asthma disabilities. The case is being remanded for further development including obtaining SSA records, translating French medical records, and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left thigh scar was granted, but the effective date remains June 29, 2007. Service connection for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and deviated septum has been established.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and vertigo due to lack of evidence of chronic disabilities at any time during the claim period. The Veteran's contentions have been considered, but are outweighed by the lack of objective clinical findings.