Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance was denied due to the lack of evidence showing that her service-connected disabilities cause wear and tear on her clothing. The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining updated VA medical records and arranging a physical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder, including a total right knee replacement, is service-connected. The low back and right foot disorders are also found to be related to his right knee condition. However, further medical examination and opinion are needed for the claims of increased evaluation for postoperative residuals of tenorrhaphy and neurorrhapy of the right hand.

The Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities have been rated at the minimum levels allowed by law, with no evidence of additional impairment warranting higher ratings.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disability and an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis. The Veteran is advised to submit a statement of the case on the issue of an increased rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's status-post right knee meniscectomy with osteoarthritis was productive of painful motion, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on actual or functional extension limited to 15 degrees; actual or functional flexion limited to 30 degrees; recurrent subluxation or lateral instability; ankylosis; dislocated cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint; impairment of the tibia and fibula; or genu recurvatum.

The Board granted an increased rating of 30 percent for bilateral knee internal derangement from March 10, 2014. The Veteran's knees had limited flexion and extension.

The Board has found the previous VA examination inadequate and remanded for another examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with right plantar fasciitis and right knee patellar dislocation were granted increased ratings of 30 percent effective November 4, 2015.

Service connection has been established for all the claimed conditions effective November 4, 2005. As such, there are no remaining issues in controversy.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability is pending.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities are not related to his service-connected left ankle disability, thus denying both claims.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his lumbosacral spine disorder and left knee disability were denied. However, he was granted a separate initial rating of 20 percent for meniscal damage in the left knee.

The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been withdrawn.,The Veteran's appeals for higher initial ratings on several service-connected conditions have been withdrawn.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee and low back disabilities are not secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions were more likely related to normal aging changes rather than the service-connected condition.

The Board has denied service connection for low back, psychiatric, right hip, and right knee disabilities as secondary to residuals of a left medial malleolus fracture.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip and knee disabilities, to include as secondary to a service-connected right foot disability, were denied. The Board found no evidence of current right hip or knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for hypertension was withdrawn. The effective date of the increased rating for hypertension is set at December 4, 2009.

The Veteran's post-operative right knee disability is not entitled to a temporary total rating under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.30, and his claims for separate compensable evaluations and TDIU are denied.

The Board found that the evidence received since the May 1978 rating decision is not new and material, thus denying the Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection for a chronic left knee disability.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are not related to service, and his low back and left knee disorders did not manifest within one year of discharge from service.,His current low back disorder is not linked to service or a service-connected condition. His left knee disorder was also not linked to service or a service-connected condition.