Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee arthritis is denied as his range of motion does not warrant such a rating.,The effective date for the separate compensable rating for right knee laxity is denied as the preponderance of evidence shows that the Veteran did not have laxity prior to September 5, 2006.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease has been manifested by pain, weakness, effusion, zero degrees in extension, and to 100 degrees in flexion. The RO denied an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine the current degree of impairment due to right knee anterior collateral ligament tear with medial joint space narrowing and whether there is any aggravation of a nonservice-connected cardiac disorder by service-connected right knee disability. The case is REMANDED for these actions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations to determine the nature and likely etiology of any neck pain and left knee condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including an examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability and consideration of whether he is entitled to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for right knee patellofemoral syndrome and instability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's left knee disorder began during his military service and is related to it. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant requesting withdrawal of the appeal.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a right knee disorder, which he claims is secondary to his service-connected left knee disorder. The Board has determined that further development is needed in order to determine the nature and likely etiology of any right knee disorder.

The Board found no evidence of a left knee disorder during service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and left knee disorders.,However, the preponderance of the evidence does not show a link between the current bilateral knee disorders and the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development of records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after scheduling a new hearing.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee arthritis due to outstanding records from Fort Belvoir and Walter Reed Army hospitals from 1985 and 1986. The RO must obtain these records, notify the Veteran of their unavailability if necessary, and provide an opportunity for the Veteran to submit any additional evidence.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to incomplete VCAA notice, missing VA treatment records, and a lack of comprehensive rating examination.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not rated higher than 40 percent, and his left knee instability warrants a separate 10 percent rating. The claims for increased ratings of the left ankle and hip disabilities are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The left knee chondromalacia was not rated higher than 10 percent, the bilateral hip disability and low back disability were not found to be related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and provide the Veteran with another opportunity for a VA examination related to his left knee disorder and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's bilateral knee pain, resulting in patellofemoral syndrome, began during service and is considered a direct result of his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and outstanding service records. The claims for service connection for left hip and right knee disabilities are pending.