Knee Board decisions

The Board denied service connection for a sexual dysfunction disorder due to lack of evidence showing its onset during or as a result of active service.,Service connection was not granted for bilateral elbow, wrist, and knee disorders because the evidence did not establish their onset in service or within one year post-service.

The Board found that the June 2010 rating decision granting service connection for a left knee replacement was clearly and unmistakably erroneous, and thus the severance of service connection was proper.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for right thumb, left knee, and right knee disabilities are granted based on direct evidence showing these conditions were incurred during his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and development of his claims. The issues include increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, knee degenerative joint disease with right knee anterior cruciate ligament tear status post surgery and left knee medial meniscus tear status post surgery, right ankle bone cyst status post excision and bone grafting, and left Achilles tendonitis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders, finding that his current conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Court vacated this decision and remanded the case to the Board.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and failure to issue a statement of the case on the pleural thickening claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disabilities are not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his right knee disability was denied, but the RO granted service connection and assigned a 10 percent rating. The Board then remanded to determine if he is entitled to an increased rating from January 15, 2008 until April 14, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, and the evidence demonstrates that he is as likely as not unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims are mixed, with some issues granted and others not. The primary issue is the evaluation for PTSD, which remains at 70 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD, and the diabetes mellitus claim was not granted due to lack of in-service manifestation within one year of separation from active duty.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the submission of new evidence after a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) was issued in September 2015.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a service connection for erectile dysfunction and insufficient evidence to support higher disability ratings for his left knee gonoarthritis with scars, right knee instability, and right knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's Navy service records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records, as well as to provide a supplemental opinion regarding the etiology of his right knee osteoarthritis. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for left and right knee conditions are granted, with a direct relationship to his active duty service. However, no compensable rating is assigned due to the current level of hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including an additional VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left knee disability. The case will be returned to the Board after this development.

The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's right knee disorder existed prior to service. The Board also found clear and unmistakable evidence that the condition was not aggravated by service.

The Board denied the Veteran's attempts to reopen his claims for service connection for right knee disability and spondylolisthesis of L4-L5, finding that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability is denied as there is no current evidence of a diagnosed disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not make him permanently bedridden or unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Veteran is in receipt of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, but does not have a separate service-connected disability or service-connected disabilities rated at 60 percent or better and the Veteran is not permanently confined to his immediate premises as a result of service-connected disabilities. Therefore, SMC based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound has not been met.