Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a right knee disability, bilateral shin splints, or transient ischemic attacks.,As such, the Veteran's claims for service connection for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, right knee disability, and reactive airway disease were granted with the assigned ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the residuals of right lateral meniscectomy warrant a 20% rating, which is already at its maximum under Diagnostic Code 5258. For degenerative joint disease of the right knee, the Board determined it does not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation beyond the current 10% rating.

The Veteran's death was caused by his service-connected major depression and related conditions, which were contributory causes of his death. The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities contributed to his untimely death.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities have been rated based on the severity of his symptoms, with a current evaluation of 20 percent for lateral collateral ligament laxity and 10 percent for severe tricompartment degenerative joint disease. The Board finds that these evaluations are appropriate given the objective findings.

The Veteran's claims for special monthly compensation, increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and knee disabilities have been denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for service-connected post-operative residuals of a left knee meniscectomy is being remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee and low back disabilities are related to his service-connected foot disability, granting secondary service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's left lower extremity disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board finds that there is no medical evidence linking his current condition to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for depression, varicose veins, hepatitis B, and left knee strain. The claim for increased rating for eczema was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected postoperative residuals, right knee injury was denied by the RO. The evidence showed that the Veteran had limited range of motion in his right knee but no severe instability or subluxation.

The Board found no evidence of a back disorder in service or for many years thereafter, and no competent medical opinion linking the current back condition to service. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back condition is denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic right and left hip disabilities, as well as a chronic right knee disability, were denied. The Board found no current diagnoses of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right knee injury, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the previously denied claim. The evidence showed that the condition existed prior to entrance on active military duty and was not aggravated during military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and arranging for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's back and right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an effective date prior to July 31, 2003 have been granted. The right knee disorder is rated at 10 percent since March 24, 2008, with a staged rating of 20 percent as of June 27, 2005 for the left femur fracture residuals. The lumbar spine DJD disorder has an effective date of July 2, 2002.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and no arthritis affecting the cervical spine manifested to a compensable degree within one year following his separation from service. The claim for psychiatric disorder, low back strain, headaches, left knee and left foot disabilities is reopened as new and material evidence has been received.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA examination reports.