Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities were denied. The left knee disability was not shown to meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to March 14, 2007. For the period from January 18, 2008 to May 28, 2008, the right knee disability met the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation. The Veteran's right knee replacement residuals did not meet the criteria for higher ratings prior to May 28, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and personnel file from the Office of Personnel Management. The case will be reviewed by the RO after these developments.

The Board has granted service connection for the residuals of a right tibial osteoid osteoma. The remaining claims, including those for secondary service connection and increased rating, are referred back to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that left knee degenerative arthritis was not incurred or aggravated in active service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein. The lung disorder, including asbestosis, is denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's pre-existing status post left knee anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was not aggravated by service, and therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board finds that it is as likely as not the Veteran's right knee disability was related to his active service, and therefore grants service connection for a right knee disability. Service connection for a low back disability is also granted based on aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

The Board denied higher ratings for the Veteran's right and left knee arthritis, with a final rating of 10 percent for each knee.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis is found to be secondary to his service-connected right knee disorder, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of entitlement to service connection for left knee and low back disabilities, finding that there was insufficient evidence linking these conditions to his time in service.

The Board determined that a right knee disability, including internal derangement of the right knee, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is unrelated to an injury, disease, or event of service origin. The Board also found that the current right knee disability is not caused by or made worse by the service-connected internal derangement of the left knee.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the current severity of the service-connected ankle conditions and to assess whether there is an etiological relationship between the service-connected ankle conditions and arthritis of the hips and knees. The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his ankle disabilities and service connection for arthritis of the hips and knees are pending.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for each hip disability effective from March 21, 2007. The earlier effective dates for the increased ratings of the hips are denied.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection of left knee, dermatological, and respiratory disorders. The case is REMANDED for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating and effective date for left knee disability was granted. Effective January 15, 2003, the Veteran is rated at 10% for his left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee condition is not secondary to his service-connected left knee and left ankle disabilities, and therefore denied his claim for service connection. The TDIU issue was also denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for multiple disabilities, including a torn rotator cuff of the right shoulder, right knee meniscus tear, chronic back disorder, and left leg disability. The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's multiple sclerosis is found to have begun during her active service, and she is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render her in need of regular aid and attendance, as she can manage most of her daily personal needs without assistance.

The Board has determined that there is no competent and credible evidence establishing a right knee injury during active duty or training, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's death was not service-connected, but he had a service-connected condition rated at 60% that prevented him from working. The claim for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is denied as the criteria are not met.