Knee Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability, finding that it did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee arthritis, bilateral hearing loss disability, and tinnitus. The appeals for reopening of claims for a bilateral foot disability and status post parotidectomy were also denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected right knee arthroplasty, currently rated at 30 percent. The evidence showed mild pain and weakness, noncompensable range of motion, and mild instability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability, characterized as degenerative arthritis, warrants a 10 percent evaluation. Additionally, the limitation of extension of the right knee is also rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board found no evidence of a service connection for the veteran's claimed low back injury or degenerative joint disease of multiple joints, to include knees, hips and lower back. The claims were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The appellant withdrew his appeal, indicating satisfaction with the RO decision regarding an increased rating for residuals of a total left knee arthroplasty.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, left shoulder, and right knee disorders due to a lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and low back disorders, finding no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service. The claim for osteoarthritis of the knees was also denied as there is no direct evidence linking it to service.

The veteran's third degree burn scars of the left knee, leg and ankle are currently rated at 40 percent disabling. The maximum rating available under applicable criteria is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and requested additional medical opinions. The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic left knee disorder and generalized arthritis are pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's upper and lower back, bilateral shoulder, bilateral leg, right hip, and right knee conditions are not attributable to service or any presumptive exposure basis. The VA examiners have opined that these conditions are more likely due to post-service injuries, including a motor vehicle accident in 1996.

The Board has denied service connection for residuals of an excision of a scaling calculus from the left Wharton's duct, a left knee disability, and tinea pedis of the left foot as there is no competent medical evidence showing current diagnoses or relationships to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral knee disorder is not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and ensuring that the veteran is provided an opportunity to appoint a representative.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for multiple joint pain is being remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration of whether he should be service-connected for low back or left ankle disorders, apart from the multiple joint pains.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current hearing loss, tinnitus, and right knee condition are related to his active service.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete medical records and inadequate examination reports.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back and left shoulder disorders are not related to service, but his current left knee injury with traumatic arthritis and chronic strain of the right knee are found to be at least as likely as not (50% likelihood or greater) related to service. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the evidence, including a VA examination to confirm or rule out any heart disability and ensure appropriate notice of such examination. The RO must also review the examination reports to ensure they are in compliance with the directives.