Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling an orthopedic examination to assess the severity of his right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities have not met the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes, as they do not demonstrate compensable limitation of motion or occasional incapacitating exacerbations.

The Board denied reopening of service connection for a bilateral foot disorder, but granted service connection for bilateral ulnar neuropathy (CTS or CTS) as the Veteran currently has a disability manifested by the same symptoms of bilateral hand pain and decreased dexterity that were manifested during service. The other issues remained in denial.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased ratings have been withdrawn. The issues of entitlement to an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids, tinea pedis (athlete's foot), asthma, a disability manifested by chest pain, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and bilateral plantar fasciitis are dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone or in combination have resulted in loss of use of one lower extremity (left) together with residuals of organic disease or injury which so affect the functions of balance or propulsion as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. Therefore, she is eligible for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability and right knee disability, finding that these disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the left foot neuropathy was not present until multiple years after service, and is not otherwise related to service. For the knees and back, the criteria for higher ratings have not been met.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for entitlement to nonservice-connected pension benefits as they are not productive of total disability and he is not permanently and totally disabled due to nonservice-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for sinusitis, left knee disability, and bilateral pes planus. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes, heart disability, right knee and back disabilities, neck disability, psychiatric disability, and low energy, have been denied.,A compensable rating of 10 percent has been granted for hypertension.

The Board found no CUE in the June 1970 rating decision that granted service connection for a wound, right leg with residuals of thrombophlebitis. The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee was not addressed because it was reasonable to conclude based on the evidence at the time that he did not have a current right knee disability related to his punji stick injury.

The Board has ordered a new examination to determine if the Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, right hip and right knee disabilities are related to his service. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's back disability is caused by his service-connected right knee disability.,The Veteran's liver disorder may be secondary to Ibuprofen use for pain management or Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for left wrist pain, bilateral knee pain, stomach disability, pseudofolliculitis barbae, acquired psychiatric disorder, neck injury, and type II diabetes mellitus. The claims remain denied as new and material evidence was not received for right wrist pain, bilateral leg cramps, and skin disability of the fingers and feet.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a video hearing. Service connection claims for right knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss disorder, and tinnitus are pending.

The Veteran's initial rating claims for lumbar spondylolisthesis and degenerative disc disease, bilateral pes planus, and left ankle disorder have been granted. The claim for a left knee disorder has been withdrawn.,Service connection was established for grade IV chondromalacia of distal left intermediate cuneiform and remote avulsion of the left anterior talofibular ligament distal fibula.

The Veteran is entitled to additional compensation for his then-wife and stepchild from October 31, 2005 through October 31, 2007 based on the combined disability rating of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities require additional development due to incomplete records, including a lack of service treatment records. The case is therefore being remanded.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for bilateral foot numbness, right knee disability, and left great toe disability. The Veteran will be provided with a VA examination to address these issues.