Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, so there are no specific findings or ratings to report.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to the need for a compensation and pension examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's current knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, based on functional impairment due to pain. The evidence does not support higher ratings as the limitation of motion is not severe enough to warrant a rating greater than 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and analysis regarding his right knee disability, including whether it is secondary to a service-connected left knee disability.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a chronic left knee disorder in service and there is no current evidence of such a condition. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bleeding in the stomach, a subdural hematoma, wrist, ankle, neck, elbow, and knee disorders, fatigue, and headaches have been denied. The Board found that there is no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's abdominal surgeries performed at VA resulted in incisional hernias, which are considered additional disability. Service connection is granted for these incisional hernias under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151. The Board finds no evidence to support service connection for right hip, left hip, or bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a left knee disability. The Veteran's in-service injury is presumed, as there are no records indicating any pre-existing condition or other issues affecting his current diagnosis.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, characterized by painful limited motion without limitation of extension to 15 degrees or more, without limitation of flexion to less than 45 degrees, and without recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been evaluated based on their current functional limitations, with the right knee rated at 10% and the left knee rated at 20%. The claims for higher ratings are denied as the evidence does not support a finding that the conditions warrant any increase in disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine if his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 2, 2006 for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance. The Board also found that discontinuance of the special monthly pension was proper as of October 1, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or maintain gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to 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 claim of entitlement to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for the cause of the Veteran's death. The evidence now shows a causal connection between the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and his accidental death from a tractor rollover.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records, including from the Miami VA Medical Center and any recent surgical procedures or physical therapy related to his right knee.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his generalized anxiety disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since July 29, 2004.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring all relevant information is considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee and left ankle disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during his active service. The pre-existing conditions are considered to have existed prior to service, and there is no evidence of a new injury or aggravation in service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a medical opinion regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee condition, including chondromalacia of the knees.