Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's wife has multiple disabling conditions that require the aid and attendance of another person, qualifying him for SMC benefits. The claims for service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome, hypertension as secondary to PTSD, and coronary artery disease (CAD) as secondary to PTSD are denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to scheduling issues and will arrange for a video conference hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's right knee DJD and meniscus injury are rated at 10 percent effective October 14, 2011.

The Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities, including pes cavus, plantar fasciitis, and degenerative joint disease with calcaneal spurs, are rated at 30 percent from April 8, 2011 to March 12, 2014. As of March 13, 2014, the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis is rated at 50 percent and his bilateral pes cavus is rated at 30 percent.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 10 percent for left and right knee disabilities effective December 28, 2011. The Veteran's claims were pending prior to this decision.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and his right knee disability is also rated at 10 percent. Both conditions are rated under the criteria for arthritis with limitation of motion.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative joint disease. The issue of service connection for sinusitis is remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and instability do not warrant ratings in excess of the currently assigned 10 percent for these conditions.

The Veteran's hearing loss is not service-connected as it does not appear to be related to his in-service noise exposure.,His cervical spine disability and left knee condition are not service-connected, with the most likely explanation being that they developed due to natural aging processes rather than service.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for viral hepatitis and found that new and material evidence has been received. Service connection is granted for viral hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, left and right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, left and right arm/elbow tendonitis, bilateral hip disability (secondary to left knee injury), and back disability (secondary to left knee injury).

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's claimed disorders to his active duty service and determined that they are not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues related to the Veteran's right knee disability, including a need for an addendum opinion and additional VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back, left knee, right foot, and left foot disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during active service or due to a service-connected disability. The VA examinations indicated these conditions were more likely related to natural aging processes rather than service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings have been adjudicated in multiple decisions, resulting in a mixed disposition. The initial rating for Scheuermann's disease and dorsolumbar strain has not met the criteria for an increased evaluation, while the left knee extension claim is pending with respect to the period prior to September 15, 2011.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities were denied. Service connection for eustachian tube dysfunction was also addressed but the appeal is not before the Board.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on several conditions and special monthly compensation (SMC) have been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's back disability is determined to be related to his military service and the claim for service connection will be granted. The Veteran also has a current rating of anxiety disorder, currently evaluated as 50 percent disabling, and a right knee disorder rated as noncompensable.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and left knee disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are supported by medical evidence, and his statements regarding in-service noise exposure and injury have been found credible. Service connection is granted for both conditions as they are considered to be directly related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, Sjögren's Syndrome, skin disorder, obstructive lung disease/bronchial asthma (pulmonary disorder), and allergic disorder have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. However, the Board cannot determine whether these claims are well-grounded or meritorious at this time.,The Veteran has submitted new and material evidence in support of her claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, Sjögren's Syndrome, skin disorder, obstructive lung disease/bronchial asthma (pulmonary disorder), and allergic disorder. The Board will now review these claims on their merits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for the scheduling of a Travel Board hearing at the RO.