Knee Board decisions

The Veteran is granted increased disability ratings for her bilateral knee disabilities, with a rating of 40 percent for the right knee and 50 percent for the left knee. She is also granted separate disability ratings of 20 percent each for semilunar cartilage conditions in both knees.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a videoconference hearing regarding the right wrist disorder and an SOC on the right knee rating claim.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee tendonitis requires a brace, which causes wear and tear on his clothing. The VA has previously granted clothing allowances for this reason except in 2012. The Board finds that the Veteran should receive a clothing allowance for 2012.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions. However, the evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a link between any claimed condition and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chondromalacia of the right patella and degenerative joint disease of the right knee have been denied. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee, bilateral hip and low back disabilities are not service-connected as they were not manifested during his active duty or caused by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disability, and providing an opinion regarding whether his lumbar spine disorder is related to military service or secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and a low back disability. The evidence does not show that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.,For his PTSD, the Veteran's claim is pending as additional development is needed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's obesity and left knee disorder. The issues are being considered under secondary service connection.

The Veteran's right foot and knee disabilities have been granted service connection, with the right knee receiving a disability rating of 20 percent. The Veteran is not entitled to increased ratings for instability or limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance due to his service-connected low back pain and patellofemoral syndrome of both knees was denied as the braces he uses do not tend to wear or tear his clothing.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and providing addendum opinions from VA examiners.

The Veteran is granted a higher level of SMC based on loss of use of both feet due to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and also entitled to SMC under subsection (o) for two separate awards. She is also eligible for the additional aid and attendance allowance under subsection (r)(1).

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, finding that the Veteran's current hearing impairment is related to his exposure to loud noise during active duty. The right knee disability claim was denied as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's current left knee disorder is considered to be aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability, and thus the Board has granted service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, headaches, and obstructive sleep apnea are found to be related to his service-connected left knee disability. The effective dates for the grant of service connection for hearing loss and tinnitus have been established.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee conditions, including tricompartmental degenerative joint disease and gout, are not related to his service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for low back strain associated with postoperative residuals, lateral and medial meniscectomy with degenerative changes, right knee is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the initial grant of service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee arthritis has been manifested by no less than 110 degrees of flexion and 0 degrees of extension, without x-ray evidence of involvement of two or more major joints or two or more minor joints groups with occasional incapacitating exacerbations. The criteria for an initial disability rating higher than 10 percent have not been met.