Knee Board decisions

The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition and a left elbow condition. Additional VA examinations are required to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for traumatic arthritis of the right knee and bilateral plantar fasciitis were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating based on their current manifestations.

The Board found that an effective date prior to July 20, 2004 for a 30 percent disability rating was not warranted as it was not factually ascertainable that the Veteran's service-connected right knee strain with status post operative repair increased in severity during the year prior to July 20, 2004. The March 1981 rating decision found CUE and assigned a 20 percent disability evaluation effective November 18, 1980.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to tend to the basic functions of self-care without regular assistance from another person and vulnerable to the hazards and dangers incident to his environment, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal of the right knee disability claim has been withdrawn. The lumbar spine disability issue is being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues of service connection for various conditions, including right knee disability, left knee disability as secondary to right knee disability, sleep disorder, depression, and low back disability. The appellant's active duty status is unclear and needs further verification.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee, thigh laceration with superficial scar, and ankle sprain disabilities have been denied. The RO found that the current disability ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by pain and limited range of motion, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a right leg injury other than a scar, and his arthritis of the right knee was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board also found no evidence to support a claim for any right ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to unclear connection between his current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral pes planus, rheumatoid arthritis, back problems, and knee problems are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is at least in equipoise with service connection, and thus grants service connection for a left knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining X-ray studies of the Veteran's knee and right thigh areas. The Veteran is also to be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any hemorrhoid disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, variously diagnosed as dysthymic disorder, somatoform disorder and PTSD, was incurred during active military service. The residuals of back injury, neck injury, injuries to the left knee, right knee, and right shoulder were also found to be related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining workers' compensation records and scheduling VA examinations to address the relationship between his current knee and ankle disorders and his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for post-traumatic chondromalacia of the left patella and entitlement to an effective date earlier than May 31, 1996 for service connection for a left knee disability were both denied.

The Board has remanded the case to schedule a VA examination for the Veteran's elbow and knee conditions, as it is unclear whether he has these conditions or if they are related to service.

The Veteran's cervical spine and left knee disabilities are found to be related to her service, with the most recent VA examination supporting this finding. The right hip, left arm, and jaw and facial disability claims remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee conditions are not service connected, but his lower extremity radiculopathy is related to a service-connected disability.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's right knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of limitation of motion or instability warranting a higher rating.