Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee conditions were denied by the RO. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of the Veteran's symptoms and functional impairment.

The Veteran's combined evaluation for service-connected disabilities is 80 percent from June 20, 2000 to June 10, 2004, and 90 percent from June 11, 2004. The criteria for assignment of an increased combined evaluation are not met.

The Board found no evidence of a current left knee disability and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to incomplete verification of service and outstanding STRs.

The Veteran's left knee disability, post-meniscectomy and patellectomy residuals of an injury, is rated at 20 percent based on limitation of motion. The appeal for a higher rating has been denied.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease is as likely as not caused by his service-connected left knee, ankle, and foot disabilities. Service connection for the right knee disability is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased initial ratings for right and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a new examination.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted service connection, and the Board also remanded for further examination of his low back, right hand, and right knee disabilities. Service connection was not granted for PTSD.

The Board is remanding the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VCAA notice and incomplete treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left knee patellar femoral syndrome, low back pain, and depression due to a lack of evidence showing current disabilities or a link between any currently existing disabilities and active service.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus as incurred during active military service in the RVN, but denied service connection for a skin disability and right knee disability on the basis of lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected knee disabilities and to obtain any outstanding medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing at the RO to address his claims of increased disability ratings for right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an abdominal scar resulting from a Cesarean section and a right knee disorder have been denied as there is no evidence of current diagnoses or chronic conditions during her active duty service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is exceptional and causes marked interference with employment, warranting a 100% rating. The temporary total rating for left knee surgeries has been granted. However, the claim for TDIU is moot due to the Veteran's current employment status.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and his claim for a TDIU is denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for her left knee disability and gouty arthritis of the left foot was denied. The Board found that she did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent for her left knee disability, as her range of motion was within normal limits with no instability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims for service connection related to left ear hearing loss, bilateral knee disability, and chronic ear infections.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and ensure proper notice has been provided. The claims for PTSD, hepatitis C, and right knee injury residuals will be reconsidered.