Knee decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis did not manifest in service or within a year after service, was not related to service, and was not caused by or aggravated by her service-connected right foot disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability and acquired psychiatric disorder, including MDD, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examinations did not find a link between these conditions and service.

The Board found that the February 2006 rating decision awarding a separate 10 percent rating for residuals of left knee injury was clearly and unmistakably erroneous due to pyramiding, and thus reduced this rating. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet eligibility requirements for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee arthritis were restored to a 30 percent disability rating, with the reduction from 20 percent being found proper.

The Board denied an effective date prior to April 19, 2011 for the award of service connection for generalized anxiety disorder. The claim for tinea cruris was previously denied in a June 1995 rating decision and reopened based on new evidence submitted since then.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 30% based on limitation of motion, and a separate rating for mild lateral instability is granted. The right knee disability is rated at 20%. These ratings are effective from March 10, 2014.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disability, finding that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether his current right knee disability is related to his active duty service.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee disability related to service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated medical records.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right leg disorder, including hip and knee conditions, has been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring the claims file is complete.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance, which has been granted.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and an earlier effective date are being remanded due to the need for additional development. Appeals alleging CUE in prior rating decisions are also pending.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory condition and left knee disability, finding new and material evidence. The claims are now addressed on their merits.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting left knee disability was aggravated by his active service, and therefore service connection is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hip degenerative disease and bilateral knee arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with osteoarthritis. The Veteran is also granted a rating of 10 percent for his lumbar strain.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a left knee disability. However, the preponderance of the evidence is against the Veteran's claim of service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations related to her left knee and lumbar spine disabilities. The current ratings for these conditions remain unchanged.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease, left medial metatarsal DJD, and sinusitis. The evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a need for an addendum medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability.