Knee Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability and bilateral knee disability, as well as his requests for initial ratings for right and left foot pes planus and left foot plantar fibromatosis. The appeal regarding compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for post-operative right hand and ring finger Dupuytren's contracture residuals is remanded.

The Veteran's back disability is granted service connection as it was noted during service and he has reported continuity of symptoms since then. The left leg, right hip, and right knee disabilities are remanded for further examination to determine their etiology.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability, is currently rated at 10 percent under the rating criteria for knee disabilities. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the current evidence.

The Veteran's left knee condition, including the removal of the lateral meniscus and associated symptoms like tenderness and crepitance, warrants a separate 10 percent disability rating effective from July 25, 2000.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and examinations to address the Veteran's claims of service connection for premature ejaculation (PE) disorder and right knee degenerative joint disease (DJD).

The Board has granted a combined 60 percent disability evaluation for flexion, extension, and lateral instability/subluxation of the left knee and right knee based on their respective limitations.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee disability in service or within one year post-service, and denied both the claim for service connection and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of bronchitis related to her service. The claims for increased ratings for left wrist degenerative joint disease, cubital syndrome of the left wrist, and gastritis and GERD with IBS are denied as there is no evidence of current disability or aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

The Board denied the appeal, finding that recoupment of the Veteran's severance pay was proper and therefore warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not have any service connection claims pending at the time of his death for glaucoma, foot pain/plantar fasciitis, Dupuytren's contractures, meningitis, right rotator cuff problems, a right knee condition, cirrhosis with encephalitis and hepatic encephalopathy, or hepatitis B. As such, these claims are denied as accrued benefits.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability was not incurred in service and denied both his claim for service connection and his TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral knee disability or low back disability for which service connection can be granted. The claim of service connection for low back disability is remanded due to inadequate examination and new evidence received since the last VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disorder due to new and material evidence submitted since the final denial in January 2003. The Board finds that there is reasonable doubt as to whether the current right knee disorder is related to service, but leans towards finding it is related.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee, left knee, right hip, left hip, and low back disabilities are proximately due to his service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left ankle.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including a VA examination to address his psychiatric, joint, and skin conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability and residuals of pneumonia are related to service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's tinnitus was not related to his military service. His initial ratings for shin splints of the right and left legs with chondromalacia of the patellae were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, high blood pressure, and stomach disorder. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder was remanded.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee disorder related to service, and concluded that the Veteran's current right knee condition is not due to any incident during his military service.