Knee Board decisions

The Board has granted initial ratings of 20 percent for left and right knee degenerative joint disease, effective from the date of the grant of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including prostate cancer, coronary artery disease, right knee and shoulder disabilities, and lumbar spine condition, are not related to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for loss of sense of taste was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and no competent evidence linking the claimed condition to his active service. The claims for right and left knee disabilities were also denied due to lack of medical evidence showing in-service injury or disease.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating and an earlier effective date for his service-connected right knee disability are being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn for the majority of issues. The claim for an increased rating for chronic fatigue syndrome is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The Veteran is also not entitled to special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the left hip and residuals of medial and lateral menisectomies of the left knee were denied as there is no evidence showing that either condition warrants a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability to his service, and thus denied the claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the relationship between his service-connected left foot disability and his current right foot, back, and knee disorders.

The Board has determined that the appellant's left knee disability is likely due to an injury sustained during his service with the National Guard, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied service connection for lumbosacral strain, cervical spine arthritis, and right knee arthritis as secondary to a service-connected disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional VA clinical documentation and consideration of relevant regulations.

The Board found no evidence of a relationship between the Veteran's current degenerative joint disease of the knees and his active service, including any incidents of falling from slick steel stairs/ladders. The claim for arthritis was not addressed as it is typically presumed to be related to service if present within one year after separation.

The Veteran's service connection claims for early degenerative arthritis of the left hip and bilateral knee disorder (joint pain) are denied as they do not meet the criteria for establishing service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected torn medial meniscus, right knee, post operative with instability.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a right knee disability, including total knee replacement. The claim is being remanded due to the submission of additional medical evidence that was not initially reviewed by the RO.

The Board has restored the Veteran's left knee instability rating from 20% to 20%, effective December 1, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran withdrew his appeal for an increased compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for instability of the right knee is denied as there is no evidence of more than moderate instability, with negative Lachman's and McMurray tests, stability to anterior and posterior varus and valgus stress, and no X-ray evidence of fracture or dislocation. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for traumatic arthritis of the right knee remains pending.

The Board found that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not result in his inability to care for any of his daily personal needs without regular personal assistance from others, nor do they result in an inability to protect himself from the hazards and dangers of his daily environment. Therefore, he is not entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a hearing at the local VA office.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and determining the Veteran's income for pension benefits.