Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disability and an etiological opinion on whether his left knee disorder is secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's March 14, 2008 surgery for a service-connected left knee disability resulted in the need for doctor-mandated convalescence through June 30, 2008. The Board granted this claim based on the need for convalescence.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability is not service-connected and denied his claims for service connection and TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his left knee instability and right knee patellofemoral syndrome was denied as the effective dates requested were not earlier than the assigned dates.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities have been rated as noncompensable prior to December 16, 2015, and at 10 percent thereafter. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for both knees.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral ankle sprains. However, the claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorder and bilateral hip disorder have been denied as they are not related to service or an undiagnosed illness.

The Veteran does not have a single permanent disability rated at 100% disabling under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, and therefore is not eligible for special monthly pension by reason of being housebound.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by arthritis and instability, is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5003. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine, prostate cancer residuals, traumatic arthritis of both knees, tinnitus, epididymitis, otitis externa of the left ear, deformity of the right great toenail, and erectile dysfunction, rendered him unable to secure or follow any form of substantially gainful employment prior to April 1, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for new medical opinions regarding his hypertension, sleep apnea, and bilateral knee degenerative joint disease.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee condition and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that the conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability is not related to his service, specifically the 1960 injury. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's osteoarthritis is more likely due to age and occupation factors rather than the in-service injury.

The Board finds that the Veteran's back and bilateral knee disabilities are not related to his service. The medical evidence of record does not support a finding that these conditions began during or were otherwise caused by his military service.

The Board found no evidence of a current right or left knee disability and thus denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and records of treatment. The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders are pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating and earlier effective date for his right knee disability have been denied. The current rating of 60% is appropriate from February 1, 2010 through September 23, 2010, and from November 1, 2011.

The Veteran's tinnitus claim is granted with an effective date of August 1, 2009.,His right middle finger disability is rated noncompensably disabling.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA examinations and any available private treatment records. The claims will be reconsidered after the additional evidence is obtained.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining any outstanding treatment records and providing new VA examinations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for right knee contusion, hypertension, and a kidney condition. However, no new and material evidence was found for the claim of service connection for a kidney condition.