Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Veteran's hypertension, headache syndrome, and pulmonary embolism are rated at their maximum levels. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current disability manifested by fatigue, hair loss, bilateral hand tremors, or bilateral arm weakness. Service connection for cervical spine condition is granted as new and material evidence has been received.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding VA treatment records related to the Veteran's lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The case is REMANDED for obtaining these records.

The Veteran's death was caused by CAD, which is presumed to be due to herbicide exposure in service. The Veteran did not have any of the claimed conditions at the time of his death and there is no evidence linking them to service.

The Veteran's kidney disability is rated at 30 percent effective from December 27, 2010. The right knee and low back disabilities remain at their current assigned ratings.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling for instability and a separate 10 percent rating has been assigned for symptomatic partial meniscectomy. The temporary total evaluation for convalescence following surgery remains in effect.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability for the claimed left knee, right knee, left hip, or right hip conditions. The Veteran's complaints were noted during service but did not result in any identifiable pathology on examination or imaging. As such, service connection cannot be established.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a cold injury to the feet, eczema, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and flat feet were denied. The claim for an increased rating for athlete's foot was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and a VA examination.

The Board granted higher disability ratings for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, as well as his PTSD. The TDIU claim was also granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims to reopen his service connection claims for right and left knee disabilities, as well as left ear hearing loss. The evidence submitted since the July 2008 rating decision does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for post-operative residuals of a left shoulder injury and finds that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability is related to his in-service left shoulder injury. The claim for secondary service connection for a right knee disability remains pending.

The Veteran is granted a rating of 30 percent for left knee instability prior to September 25, 2012 and denied any increase in ratings for limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his lumbar spine and right hip disabilities, as well as separate ratings for left and right knee disabilities, were granted. Additionally, the Board found that he is entitled to TDIU from February 26, 2014.

The Board found no service connection for the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder or Hepatitis B due to lack of in-service incurrence and credible medical evidence. The claims were denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for service-connected retropatellar pain syndrome of the left knee and osteoarthritis of the right knee are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease (DDD) and arthritis, is related to service. The right knee disorder and left knee disorder are not found to be related to service.

The Board has granted a rating of 10 percent for the Veteran's right knee disability, effective from the date service connection was established. A separate rating of 20 percent is assigned for meniscus dislocation.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral knee strain is likely related to her in-service injuries and pain, thus granting service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service records related to the Veteran's attempt at reenlistment in October 1995 and seeking addendums to medical opinions regarding the current left knee disability and left ear hearing loss.