Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for osteoarthritis, right knee, status post right leg fracture with ORIF surgery was denied. A separate 10 percent rating was granted for slight instability of the right knee.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee strain and osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his in-service injury and continuous since separation from service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for the withdrawal of his case regarding a rating in excess of 30 percent for limitation of flexion of the right knee.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new medical evaluation is required.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities have been evaluated based on their current manifestations. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee, left knee, right thumb, left thumb, and cervical spine conditions due to a lack of evidence showing these disabilities began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has denied the petitions to reopen previously denied claims for service connection of degenerative joint disease, right knee and left knee. The issues of entitlement to initial compensable ratings for right hip limitation of flexion, abduction, adduction, and internal/external rotation prior to March 1, 2018, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter; a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease, right hip; and a rating in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy, right lower extremity; and residuals of a low back injury are dismissed.

The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's spine, shoulder, and knee conditions due to incomplete development of his treatment records.

The Board denied service connection for left femur, right femur, and right knee disabilities. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability (anxiety disorder) was granted as secondary to pain from his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including instability, is rated at 20 percent since the appeal period began. The Veteran also received a separate rating for his left knee instability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include unspecified trauma and stressor related disorder is granted. However, the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg/left knee disability, to include any residuals of a broken left leg, is denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for total disability due to individual unemployability for the period prior to March 7, 2011 based on his service-connected rheumatic heart disease and left knee degenerative changes.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives and potential outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded two issues: 1) the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability, and 2) his request for an earlier effective date for dependency benefits for his spouse. The case will be returned to the RO for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergic rhinitis (claimed as breathing problems) was denied due to the lack of a medical nexus between his current condition and service.,The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for left knee osteoarthritis with tear of the post lateral bundle of the anterior cruciate ligament was also denied, as there is no evidence of instability or meniscectomy.

The Veteran's left great toe disability was granted a maximum rating of 30 percent, effective September 20, 2006. The right knee and left knee disabilities were remanded for further development. A TDIU was granted beginning October 25, 2007. SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance was granted starting December 8, 2014.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete VA examinations. The Veteran's left shoulder and knee disabilities are still under review.

The Board has denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities, as well as a disability manifested by pseudofolliculitis barbae and acne. The evidence does not support the Veteran's claims that these conditions began during active service or are related to his service-connected low back disability.,Service connection is only granted if there is medical evidence showing a current disability, an in-service injury or disease, and a link between the two.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for right knee limitation of motion and instability due to patellofemoral pain syndrome. The VA is instructed to obtain all relevant records, provide the Veteran with another opportunity to submit evidence, and schedule a VA examination.