Knee Board decisions

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the increased rating for L5-S1 degenerative disc disease with spondylosis and service connection for bilateral hip, knee, and foot disorders. As a result, these issues are dismissed without prejudice.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a VA examination of the Veteran's right knee and lumbosacral spine.

The Veteran's knee disabilities have been rated as noncompensable since March 4, 2006. The RO has continued these ratings despite the Veteran's complaints of pain and functional loss.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection claim for a psychiatric disorder. The underlying claims for right knee disorder and TDIU are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, and effective dates of September 5, 2006, were assigned for the left knee condition and right superior eyelid ptosis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional VA medical records and a new opinion regarding the etiology of his right knee disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, finding that these conditions are proximately due to his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for prostate cancer and bilateral cataracts, but denied them on their merits. The Veteran's other claims were not addressed as they are pending in remand.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a compensable rating were denied. The effective dates of the service connection awards remain at November 8, 2001.

The Board has granted service connection for nosebleeds (epistaxis) on a secondary basis. The right knee and left shoulder disabilities are pending as the etiology is unclear without resort to mere speculation.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues with the TDIU determination, including needing clarification on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are severe enough to prevent him from gainful employment. Additional development is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disability is not related to his active service and therefore, denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected right knee disorder is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a VA examination and obtain updated medical records.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis and limitation of motion have been rated as 10 percent disabling since December 9, 2002. The maximum rating available for his DJD has not yet been assigned.

The Board has granted service connection for hair loss disorder (alopecia) as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected iron deficiency anemia. The left knee disability and gastrointestinal disability issues remain pending.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development due to conflicting medical opinions and inaccurate factual background in previous examinations.

The Veteran's claims for initial higher ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities and TDIU were granted. The right knee disability was rated at 30 percent from August 1, 2006 onwards, the left knee disability at 30 percent from September 1, 2010 onwards, and he is now entitled to a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral knee disability was incurred in military service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for service connection of left ear hearing loss due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The remaining issues have been addressed, and the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are evaluated appropriately.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss, below the knee amputation on the right, and enucleation of the right eye disabilities are rated at their highest levels. The appeal for increased ratings is denied.