Knee Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorder did not originate in service and is not related to his in-service injury. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of her service-connected left knee disabilities, including painful motion. The issues are inextricably intertwined and will be readjudicated following the examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for an increased rating of his right knee disability, and the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and a meniscus tear, was rated at 20 percent from June 2, 2001 to May 22, 2003. The rating period is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral knee condition. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hip and neck conditions are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right index finger injury, hypertension, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and bilateral spermatocele. The Veteran's conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 20 percent, the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 5262 for impairment of the tibia and fibula. The claim for service connection for left knee arthritis and degenerative arthritis of the back and hips has been granted as secondary to the service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing due to her request. The issues of service connection and initial ratings remain pending.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a right shoulder or right knee disorder during service, and the Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to her military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability, was rated at 10% for limitation of flexion and 30% for severe instability prior to September 12, 2011. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating based on the current evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any right ankle, bilateral foot, left knee iliotibial tendonitis, or lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, IVDS and stenosis disabilities. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, to include DJD, are etiologically related to active service. Therefore, the claims for service connection have been granted.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is found to be related to his military service and he has been granted a rating of 10% for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression, intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine, migraines, and other conditions, have rendered him in need of aid and attendance. He is therefore granted special monthly compensation based on a demonstrated need for such assistance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee arthritis is caused by her service-connected bilateral pes planus and grants service connection for this condition as secondary to her service-connected disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his back and lower extremity conditions, cause him to be in need of regular aid and attendance. As such, the claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's gunshot wound residuals of the head, face, and neck. The Veteran also has other disabilities that preclude locomotion without the aid of a wheelchair or similar device.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and examination to clarify the nature of his claimed conditions, their likely etiology, and their impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him incapable of obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.