Knee decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee arthritis, post laminectomy syndrome, and residuals of a left ankle disability are all service-connected.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before a decision can be rendered regarding the service connection and increased rating claims.

The Veteran's above the knee amputation was not caused by VA carelessness, negligence, or error in judgment. The Board found insufficient evidence to support a claim of additional disability due to VA care.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including headaches and sinus problems, are granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection of a back disability and found that new and material evidence had not been submitted. The Veteran was also denied increased evaluations for his left knee disorder and right wrist disabilities, as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding his sleep apnea and service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 10 percent, and his left knee disability is also rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.,Service connection for a right shoulder disability cannot be established as there is no in-service injury or disease found.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus, bilateral knee disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and low back disorder secondary to the service-connected bilateral pes planus. The effective date of the grant of service connection is set at April 6, 1993. The TDIU claim will be remanded due to a need for additional information from the Veteran.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from the early 1990s and providing an additional medical opinion regarding his left knee disorder.

The Veteran's death was found to be due to his service-connected neuroendocrine carcinoma, and the orthopedic problems were also found to be related to his military service. The skin disorder claim is pending as it requires a VA examination.

The Veteran's cause of death was due to metastatic lung cancer, which is service-connected. The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.,The Appellant is not entitled to an effective date prior to June 24, 2015, for the award of special monthly compensation based on her need for aid and attendance.

The RO reduced the Veteran's right knee chondritis of the patella rating from 20 percent to 10 percent effective April 1, 2008. The reduction was proper as there was no material improvement in the condition that had been maintained under ordinary conditions of life.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected diabetes mellitus. The ratings for left and right knee disabilities have been increased to 10 percent each.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right ankle disorder, left knee disorder, and back disorder on a new and material basis. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss and hypersensitivity to fire ant bites was not granted.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to September 9, 2016, and increased to 20 percent thereafter. The left knee patellofemoral syndrome was not granted an initial rating higher than 10 percent.,A 20 percent rating for the lumbar spine degenerative joint disease from September 9, 2016, is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected right and left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disability did not originate in service and is unrelated to an in-service injury. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for his claimed condition.

The Veteran's right knee conditions have been granted increased ratings, with the highest rating of 60 percent for his right knee status post total replacement.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities. The acquired psychiatric disability claim is pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been granted. The effective dates are April 14, 2009.