Knee Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's GERD is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected chondromalacia of the left knee, and denied both claims for secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claim of service connection for a right knee disability. The issue remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, as well as consideration of other pending issues.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and his asthmatic bronchitis is also rated at 10 percent. Both conditions are currently assigned the maximum schedular rating under their respective diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and earlier effective dates, finding that the criteria were not met for higher ratings or earlier effective dates.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, left ankle disability, degenerative joint disease of the right knee, and degenerative joint disease of the left knee have all been granted.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current right or left knee disability during service, and the Veteran's arthritis was not shown until many years after service. There is also no competent medical opinion linking any current knee disabilities to service.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to withdrawal by the appellant.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the right and left knees, as well as secondary service connection for hip disorders to include as secondary to knee disorders. The Veteran's claims were based on his contention that he had pre-existing knee conditions prior to military service which worsened during service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hand disability, tinnitus, and a right knee disability. The claim for an increased rating for PTSD was dismissed due to withdrawal of appeal.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder. However, the medical evidence does not support a finding that the current right knee disability is related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral knee disabilities were granted effective April 29, 1999. The appeal regarding an earlier effective date is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected left knee disability and the relationship between his bilateral hip arthralgia and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, low back disorder, and PTSD. The claim for a right knee disorder was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. The low back disorder and PTSD were also not shown to be incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the right knee is attributable to service and was granted service connection. The claims for anal fissures, hemorrhoids, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus are pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for left knee/leg disorder, right knee/leg disorder, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing a chronic condition during or within one year after service, as well as the absence of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran is granted special monthly pension at the housebound rate due to his age and multiple nonservice-connected disabilities, with a combined rating of 80 percent.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to service and denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing is granted due to his service-connected disabilities. However, he is precluded from receiving a special home adaptation grant as he already qualifies for the acquisition of specially adapted housing.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected left knee scars, finding that the evidence did not show a marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization due to the condition. The current level of disability was found to be noncompensable.