Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in any of the issues.

The Veteran's left knee disability has been rated as noncompensable from January 1, 2010 to September 14, 2012 and then increased to 10 percent thereafter. The back disability was initially rated at 10 percent from January 1, 2010 to May 22, 2015 and later increased to 40 percent.,The Veteran's left knee scar has been withdrawn from appeal.

The Veteran's left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spine DDD, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome with partial ACL tear are found to have their onset in service. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right and left knee disorders are not etiologically related to his active service, and thus denied the claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional evidence and conduct a VA examination for the Veteran's left knee condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining missing VA and military records, scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his diagnosed conditions, and providing him with an opportunity to respond.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated examinations of her service-connected major depressive disorder, left hip disability, and right knee disability. The VA will provide these examinations and then readjudicate her claims.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for a right knee disorder and has determined that new and material evidence has been received. The Board also found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of right knee osteoarthritis and medial meniscal tear are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and status post total left knee replacement were denied due to lack of a nexus between service and current disability. The claim for IHD was not addressed as it is not part of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and lumbar degenerative disc disease and IVDS, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. The other claims were not addressed as they have been narrowed or resolved.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a dental disorder, melanoma of the face, scalp, back, and chest, chronic disability manifested by numbness in the legs, back disorder, and right knee disorder have been denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during his active duty or within one year thereafter. The Board finds that the Veteran did not sustain any injuries to his teeth or develop a dental condition while on active duty. He also does not have a current diagnosis of melanoma of the face, scalp, back, and chest. His claimed disorders are not related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, and neck disability. These conditions are considered to be directly related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board has determined that an effective date earlier than February 11, 2011 for the grant of SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is denied. The Veteran withdrew his prior claim for this benefit in March 2007.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee scar and degenerative joint disease were denied as the evidence did not show any disabling effects or limitations of function that would warrant a compensable rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder is not related to his active service or a period of ACDUTRA, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations of record are inadequate and requires a new examination to assess the current nature and severity of the Veteran's left knee disability. The case is also remanded for obtaining relevant treatment records.

The Board has granted an effective date of November 10, 2009 for the assignment of a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's right ankle disability. The claimant contends that this is also the appropriate effective date for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, bilateral hip disability (secondary to a right knee disability), and nerve and muscle damage of the bilateral hands and arms. The evidence did not establish current diagnoses or show that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.,Service connection was not granted as there is no medical evidence linking any diagnosed conditions to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed left knee and left hip disorders.