Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to conduct a VA examination. The issues include multiple sclerosis, right knee disorder, muscle spasms, colon disorder, eye disorder, bilateral leg weakness with foot drop, urinary dysfunction, and weakness of the upper extremities.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including the post-arthroplasty condition, is currently rated at 30 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or extra-schedular evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the unavailability of her service treatment records and the need to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of any left knee disability or left leg disability, including from vein removal.

The Board has granted an effective date of May 3, 1985 for the award of compensation benefits under 1151 for postoperative residuals of left total knee arthroplasty. The claim for secondary service connection for failed back syndrome is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing another VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability, prior to January 18, 2010, was rated at 10 percent disabling. Between January 18, 2010 and April 1, 2011, the disability was rated as 100 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5055 (residuals from knee replacement). As of April 1, 2011, the Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability was not manifest in service or to a degree of 10 percent within one year of separation and is unrelated to service.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the Veteran's back disability and bilateral knee disabilities, with all reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage requirements for TDIU, as his combined rating is 40 percent. The VA examiner concluded that he is unable to work due to fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndrome rather than from his service-connected back and knee strain.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for a VA examination to determine the etiology of his right hand, right knee, bilateral hip disabilities, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board has reopened the claims for low back disability, bilateral knee disability (right), and bilateral foot disability. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to his service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's left knee and low back disabilities are found to be related to his service, while his PTSD is linked to combat experiences during service. Service connection for all three conditions is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome, finding that the Veteran's current condition is causally related to her active military service. The left knee disorder claim was withdrawn by the appellant prior to a decision.

The VA determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee disability and found no evidence of an in-service injury or disease. The Board concurs.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service connection claims, including for chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia, left hand arthritis, right knee disorder, mid-and-low-back disorder, bilateral foot disorder, and skin disorder. The appeals are remanded to obtain additional medical records, provide VCAA notice, and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current degenerative joint disease of the left knee and his active service, including a fall from a ladder while on board the U.S.S. Enterprise.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Board finds that he is not entitled to an increased rating.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral knee disorders, claimed as secondary to his service-connected back disorder. The case is remanded for additional development including a VA examination and consideration of the new evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbosacral spine disorder and left knee disorder.