Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. Duncan and any subsequent surgeries.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a torn medial meniscus of the right knee. The VA examiner could not provide an opinion without resorting to speculation due to conflicting statements from the Veteran and lack of pre-service treatment records. The case is REMANDED for further development.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and meniscus dysfunction of the left knee, finding that the disability levels were adequately described by the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been granted a separate 10 percent rating for instability, but the arthritis and associated limitation of motion do not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied all issues on appeal except the claim for a higher initial evaluation for tinnitus, which is addressed in the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck and right knee disorders are related to her active service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee strains have been rated at 10 percent each, effective from October 20, 2004.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is related to service and grants his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability and a TDIU, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the appeal for higher ratings has been denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee condition is not related to his in-service injury and thus denied service connection for this disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his knee disabilities. The initial rating claim for herniated disc at C5-C6 will also be addressed.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by a range of motion from zero to 120 degrees with pain at 90 degrees upon repetitive testing, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disorder is service-connected, and he is granted a rating of 10 percent for his right knee condition. His hypertension is also rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for fee basis outpatient psychological services, finding that a geographically accessible VA facility is capable of providing the required psychiatric services.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for amputation below the right knee, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The Veteran asserts that his leg amputation was necessitated by his service-connected eczematoid dermatitis.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's current left knee disorder was incurred in or aggravated by his active service. The claim for hypertension is also denied as there is no specific medical testing to confirm the presence of hypertension.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow, left shoulder, bilateral knee, and hypertension disorders due to a lack of competent evidence showing current disabilities or in-service incurrence.