Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination and issuance of a statement of the case on whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen his claim for service connection for a right leg disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current left and right knee disabilities began during active service or are related to any incident of service.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional examinations and consideration of his service-connected disabilities, as the current evidence may indicate an increase in severity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's disabilities prevent him from protecting himself from the hazards of his environment, meeting the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for right knee arthritis due to new and material evidence. However, the claims for both right knee arthritis and left foot disorder are being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis with limitation of extension and flexion has been rated at 20 percent, and the scars have been rated as non-compensable. The current ratings are considered appropriate based on the medical evidence.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 30 percent from June 1, 2010. The issue of entitlement to a separate evaluation for left knee numbness has been added.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her right knee disability was granted, with a 20 percent evaluation effective January 23, 2005.

The Board has ordered additional development due to the need for medical records and a private physician's statement. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered with consideration of all received evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including broken teeth, migraine headaches, head injury, dislocated shoulder, hip arthritis, knee arthritis, nose and jaw injuries, diabetes mellitus, thyroid issues, lung problems, throat issues, breathing problems, allergies, gum bleeding, loss of smell/taste, sleep apnea, swallowing problems (dysphagia), blepharitis, ulcers, chronic fatigue syndrome, psychiatric disorders, fear of heights, memory problems, and insomnia are not supported by the evidence.

The Board has remanded the case to determine if the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder increased in severity during service, and whether it is related to his pre-existing condition. The examiner must clarify whether there was a permanent increase in pathology due to service or natural progression of the disease.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral shoulder and right knee disorders are not related to his military service, including any injuries sustained during active duty in 1954.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a VA examination to address the relationship between his current back and knee disorders and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral leg, knee, and foot disabilities. The Board found that his pre-existing bilateral pes planus was not aggravated by any incident during service and there is no competent medical evidence linking current diagnoses to service.

The Veteran's left hip disorder was denied service connection, but his left knee disability received a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to service.

The Veteran's right knee disorder, characterized by degenerative joint disease and a history of arthroscopic meniscectomy, is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5260. The Board finds that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to May 28, 2010 was denied as he did not meet the schedular or extraschedular criteria for such a rating.