Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's countable income for VA pension purposes is in excess of the established income limit to receive nonservice-connected disability pension.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection of bilateral knee disability, right wrist disability, DDD of the cervical spine, and right 5th finger disability. The evidence received since the July 1997 rating decision is new and material, raising a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with medical opinions and outstanding records. The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities are being reviewed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot hallux rigidus is etiologically related to an in-service injury, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder impingement has been withdrawn. The claims for compensable initial ratings for lumbar degenerative disc disease, right knee strain, and pseudofolliculitis barbae are being remanded for further development.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, but has not yet decided whether these claims are well-grounded or meritorious.

The Veteran's right foot disability, characterized by pes planus and hallux valgus, is rated at 20 percent under DC 5284 for other foot injuries. The rating reflects the moderate severity of his condition.

The Veteran's VA disability compensation benefits were discontinued effective October 30, 2002 due to his fugitive felon status. The benefits were reinstated on April 30, 2012 after the warrant was cleared. An earlier effective date is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of chronic sciatica during or after service, and the current disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260 or 5261.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are related to service, while his lower back disorder, left knee disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorders are not.

The Veteran withdrew the appeal for all issues related to right knee, lumbar spine, residuals of right wrist fracture, and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as he is able to perform many of his daily activities independently. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of unemployability due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder, including total knee replacements, is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that the current arthritis is not related to service.

The Board has ordered further development of the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and insufficient medical opinions. The issues include bilateral knee disability, upper back disability, hypertension, and PTSD.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent for limitation of flexion and extension, with no higher ratings granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of limited flexion to 90 degrees and limited extension to 90 degrees.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine proper disability ratings and service connection.

The Veteran's combined disabilities did not result in the need for aid and attendance or rendered him housebound prior to January 1, 2012. Since January 1, 2012, he has been a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support a grant of any benefits.