Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for right knee instability and limitation of motion were granted, with a final rating of 20 percent effective December 10, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his left knee disability.

The Board has granted a separate, 10 percent rating for instability of the right knee since October 1, 2007. The issue of entitlement to TDIU was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) for further development. The Veteran's service-connected conditions include patellar femoral syndrome of the right knee, asthma, and cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is not service connected, as it did not begin during service or be otherwise etiologically related to his active duty service. The August 2014 VA examination and opinion concluded that the Veteran's current left knee disabilities are not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current severity and symptomatology of his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, including any loss of muscle or atrophy resulting from these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left knee disability or lumbar spine disorder that is related to service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's appeals for earlier effective dates for the combined 70 percent disability rating and TDIU claims are dismissed as they are legally insufficient.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is reasonably shown to be related to acoustic trauma in service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The right knee disability claim remains pending as it was not addressed by the RO.

The Veteran's claim for dermatitis is granted as it began during a period of active duty training (ACDUTRA) and thus meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran is found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities, which prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his depressive disorder with PTSD, left hip, back, and left knee disorders. The TDIU claim will be deferred until adjudication of other claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of GERD, and the lumbar spine and right knee disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right knee disorders. The evidence now shows current diagnoses of degenerative joint disease and patella tendinitis, which are related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right hip or right knee disability and therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance has been dismissed as it was granted in a prior decision, but not implemented. The right knee disability claim is pending, and the left knee disability claim is being reopened due to new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional records and for a new examination. The case will be reviewed after the requested actions are completed.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee condition is not related to his service or due to a service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including obtaining additional service records and a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's knee disorders are related to his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right knee disability is due to injuries sustained during his period of active service, and grants service connection for this condition. However, there is no evidence of diabetes mellitus, type II in service or within one year thereafter, and the Veteran was not exposed to herbicides during his service in Korea. Therefore, service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II is denied.