Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to lack of substantial compliance with previous instructions.

The Veteran's service-connected skin disability, including allergic dermatitis and xerosis cutis, is confirmed. The Board also granted service connection for this condition. Other issues are remanded for further examination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a heart disability and an increased evaluation for right knee disability. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions and complete necessary development.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for genu valgum with flatten arches bilaterally due to new and material evidence. However, the claim is denied as there is no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral foot disability, knee disability as secondary to the foot disability, and ankle disability as secondary to the foot disability. The Veteran's preexisting pes planus did not increase in severity during service, so the presumption of aggravation does not apply. The Veteran's current hammer toes are not related to his military service.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding higher disability evaluations for his service connected TBI and left knee disabilities, as well as his claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and headaches.

The Board has ordered the Veteran to be examined for her knee and leg disabilities, as well as her PTSD. The examination results will determine whether she is entitled to service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, specifically painful dislocation of semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain and effusion into the joint, are granted at a 20% rating. Effective March 6, 2008, TDIU is also granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the claims for a right knee condition and bilateral hearing loss disability due to incomplete compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board denied service connection for mild degenerative disc disease at L5-S1, left knee pain, right knee pain, and depression. The Veteran's back condition is not considered to have originated during service due to lack of objective findings. His knee conditions are also not considered to be related to service. Depression is attributed to multiple life events post-service.

The Veteran's left knee disability, which included a total knee replacement and fractures, warranted a 60 percent disability rating from October 1, 2010, for accrued benefits purposes.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, facial scar, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder have been granted service connection as they are deemed to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for PTSD, left knee disability, and right knee disability was dismissed. The Board found no evidence of a chronic condition in service or post-service continuity of symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is caused by or related to her military service, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability and a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right ankle disability. The Board found that there was no direct evidence linking the disabilities to service or service-connected conditions, and that the current symptoms did not warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating have been remanded due to the need to verify National Guard service records and obtain VA treatment records from San Diego.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an opinion regarding the Veteran's thoracic condition (back disability). The claims for left knee disability and right knee disability are granted, but the claim for thoracic condition is remanded.

The Veteran's left knee disability has worsened, and he is unable to perform prolonged standing and walking due to his pain. The case is being remanded for an examination to determine the severity of his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disabilities, including iliotibial band syndrome and chronic knee pain, are service-connected as they are related to his active military service.