Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's bladder hyperactivity is rated at 40 percent, and she meets the criteria for a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including right knee disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, right hand disability, sleep disorder, drug and alcohol abuse, and groin pain. The decision also addressed a claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for erectile dysfunction resulting from treatment at VA facilities in December 2005.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disability. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and treatment records, as well as further development of his claims.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his low back, neck, wrist, ankle, and knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not support a rating higher than 40 percent for his lumbosacral spine disability, 30 percent for his cervical spine disability, 10 percent for his right wrist injury, 10 percent for his right ankle disability, or 10 percent for his right knee tendonitis.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and the Board has no jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of this appeal.

The Veteran's spouse does not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee, right hip and low back disabilities are not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hip and knee degenerative joint disease, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee degenerative joint disease is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner to address the relationship between his service-connected patellofemoral syndrome (PFS), left knee, and his April 2012 fall.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a request for a hearing.

The Board has remanded the case for an addendum medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's current back disability is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disability. The claim will be returned to the RO after this additional development.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities have been rated based on their respective impairment levels. The claims for increased ratings are granted, with specific ratings assigned for the periods specified.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including his arthritis and instability symptoms, was found to be more closely analogous to a total knee replacement with a minimum rating. His initial evaluation of 10 percent for arthritis has been maintained, while he received a separate 10 percent evaluation for instability prior to October 21, 2013, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter beginning April 26, 2014.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left and right knees is found to be related to his military service, with resolution of reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been granted increased ratings, effective June 12, 2013. His right and left knee disabilities are now rated at 20 percent each.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to his combat service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The Board finds additional development necessary for the remaining issues as the Veteran reported worsening of these conditions since the last VA compensation examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability as aggravation of a preexisting condition, and his asthma is found to have existed at entry into service. The Veteran's claim for service connection for these conditions is therefore granted.

Service connection for hemorrhoids has been restored. The right knee disability and ulcers are not service-connected.,The appellant's right knee condition is denied as it does not appear to be related to his military service, including any injury sustained during active duty for training or inactive duty training.