Knee Board decisions

The VA determined that the Veteran's left knee tendinitis does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disability, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his treatment records from the Graceville Correctional Institute.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service. The claim for secondary service connection based on a service-connected left knee disability was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee and lower back disorders are not related to his service-connected left knee osteoarthritis, status post medial meniscectomy. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran submitted a timely substantive appeal with respect to his claims of service connection for PTSD, residuals of right knee injury, and residuals of burn to the right forearm. The appeal is continued.

The Veteran's initial rating for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine was increased to 20 percent effective September 22, 2008. The other service-connected conditions were not rated higher.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for alopecia areata, sinusitis/allergic rhinitis, and left knee disorder was denied as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Veteran's left knee disability, right knee disorder, and bilateral hip damage have all been granted service connection. The left knee disability is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities do not meet the threshold criteria for a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. � 4.16(a). However, his employability may be affected by other factors such as his cervical spine disorder and amputation of multiple digits of both hands. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional VA examination and review of the claims file.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disorder and psychiatric disorders, finding no in-service injury or stressor that could be linked to the current conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.,The Board also found that the left knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The evidence clearly shows that the Appellant's preexisting left knee disorder did not worsen during his active duty training, and thus service connection cannot be granted.

The Board found clear and unmistakable evidence that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder pre-existed service, and was not aggravated by service.

The Board denied service connection for a left leg disorder and a bilateral knee disorder, finding no current disability in either case.

The Veteran's right knee condition, including the torn medial meniscus and degenerative patellar spur, is rated at 10 percent. Service connection for a skin rash disorder was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, right shoulder dislocation with postoperative rotator cuff injury, and right knee strain are related to his service-connected activities and the natural progression of degenerative changes. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability, has been reopened and is granted. The claims for service connection for right knee and psychiatric disorders remain pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete opinions from the VA examiner and the need for additional development.

The Veteran's left knee condition is being remanded for an addendum opinion to determine if it was aggravated by his service-connected right hip replacement and leg length discrepancy.