Knee Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability is related to service, and thus granted service connection for this condition. The claim for a bilateral shin disability was denied as there was no diagnosed disability. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disability remains pending.

The Veteran's combined rating of 60 percent due to service-connected disabilities meets the requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from June 1, 2005.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including arthritis of the right knee and left knee, instability of the right knee, a scar from his inguinal region, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, and degenerative arthritis of the right hip, do not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's right knee disability, separate and distinct from his diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, is not found. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of a current right knee disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to assess the combined impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability, and for consideration of any new evidence added since the last supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20 percent, effective from September 18, 1998. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for multiple sclerosis, cervical spine disability, and Brown-Sequérd syndrome. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee chondromalacia patella was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the etiology of his left knee disorders and whether any right knee disorder is secondary to a left knee injury.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance is not due to his service-connected disabilities, and he does not qualify for SMC based on being housebound by reason of a single service-connected disability.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and left knee disorder, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted. The Board also found that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disorder became manifest to a degree of at least 10 percent within one year from separation from service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disability is related to his active duty service, and thus grants entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability, prior to July 27, 2010, warranted a 20 percent rating based on locking, pain and effusion into the joint; and a separate 10 percent rating for lateral instability or recurrent subluxation.

The Board found no service connection for hypertension, low back disorder, or right knee disorder due to lack of continuity of symptoms since service separation and insufficient evidence linking current conditions to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that her conditions did not warrant higher ratings based on current medical evidence. The appeal was dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability does not render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, right knee disability, left trigger thumb, and nose bleeds is withdrawn. For sinusitis with rhinitis, a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 24, 2009, and 30 percent from that date, has been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing at the RO due to the Veteran's request.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and he is also entitled to a separate rating of 10 percent for lateral instability. The claim for an increased rating has been granted.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including post-operative residuals and degenerative joint disease with instability, is currently rated at 10 percent. The RO has granted increased ratings for these conditions.