Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that the reduction in ratings for postoperative degenerative joint disease of the right knee with limited extension and flexion was proper based on the improvement noted in subsequent medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain relevant medical records and to schedule a VA examination. The appellant's claims for service connection for back and bilateral knee disorders are pending.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than April 23, 2009, for the grant of service connection for ligament laxity of the left knee is granted. The effective date is set at February 12, 1992, which is when the Veteran first received service connection for residuals of a medial collateral ligament strain of the left knee.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder, left knee disorder, and bilateral hearing loss are all attributable to service. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating is being remanded to the RO due to new evidence submitted since the last SSOC and to obtain an examination assessing his employability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting medical opinions and a need for clarification of the Veteran's right knee condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disorders are being remanded to allow for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for further consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disorder did not manifest during service and is not causally or etiologically related to his active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disability and surgical scar, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current functional impairment.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including arthroplasty and ligament insufficiency, is not rated higher than the current assigned ratings.,The Veteran's right knee strain with degenerative changes and limitation of motion does not warrant a separate rating.

The Board has granted initial compensable ratings of 10% for the Veteran's service-connected right index finger disability, left ankle sprain, and right knee prepatellar bursitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is not properly severed from service connection, and has granted service connection for a right hip disability as secondary to his service-connected bilateral flat feet.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disorders due to lead poisoning and is considering whether new evidence supports reopening these claims. The issues of service connection are mixed, with some conditions granted and others not.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the percentage requirements for a TDIU, but the weight of medical evidence indicates these conditions do not prevent him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to consider the Veteran's reported in-service injury and any lay statements from fellow servicemen or people who knew him during this period. The claim will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's service-connected left leg disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as his non-service connected conditions also affect his employability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examination and development of his right knee disability, including obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine, lumbar spine, and right knee disabilities. The claims are being remanded for a VA examination and additional development.