Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the loss of or the loss of use of his hands, do not result in blindness, were not the result of burns, and were not the result of an inhalation injury. Therefore, he is not eligible for a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's left knee instability and patellofemoral stress syndrome have been rated at 20 percent since July 16, 2003.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination to address whether the Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability caused or aggravated his claimed bilateral knee disability. The case is also being remanded for an opinion on whether any chronic knee disability was etiologically related to service by way of causation or aggravation.

The Veteran's right knee disability, with limitation of flexion and extension, is rated at 40 percent effective March 1, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities have not met the criteria for increased disability ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder is being remanded due to the need for an addendum opinion regarding the likely etiology of his current bilateral knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a dry eyes disorder. The issues of entitlement to service connection for right forefoot disorder, right knee disorder, and PTSD are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for myofascial pain syndrome of the right face was denied. The claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. Service connection was also denied for neuromuscular transmission defect, bursitis, spurs in both knees, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left knee disability and obtaining all outstanding VA treatment records from Tuskegee VAMC.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability, is rated at 20% since March 2008. A temporary total rating for convalescence from August 3, 2007 to May 12, 2008 was granted. The issue of service connection for disorders of the spine remains unresolved as it does not pertain to the right knee disability. Competency for VA benefits is determined to be incompetent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no current disability or evidence of a chronic condition in all cases.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied as there is no current diagnosis of hearing loss. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar degenerative disc disease and a separate compensable rating for left knee arthritis with painful motion are also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as there is no evidence of any prior unadjudicated claims or factually ascertainable entitlement to TDIU prior to October 20, 2004.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease, left hand trigger fingers, right hand trigger fingers, left foot plantar fasciitis with heel spur and mid foot degenerative changes, and right foot plantar fasciitis with heel spur and mid foot degenerative changes have been denied.

The Board found no credible evidence of the Veteran's claimed conditions and denied all service connection claims.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and increased disability ratings have been dismissed due to the appellant withdrawing his appeals.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for tinea pedis and onychomycosis, status post total matrixectomies, bilateral feet was granted.,Service connection for hypertension, to include due to Agent Orange exposure, chronic headaches, and sinusitis were all denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for postoperative residuals of ACL reconstruction of the left knee and patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right knee were denied as his conditions did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bilateral hearing loss and knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claimed disabilities are not related to his active service, and thus denied all of his claims.