Knee Board decisions

The veteran's claims for service connection on four separate issues are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further investigation.

The Board has determined that a 30 percent disability evaluation is warranted for the veteran's partial meniscus tear of the right knee, based on severe instability and recurrent subluxation.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the veteran with a VA examination to determine if her current right knee, tibia, and ankle disabilities are related to service.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right knee should be set as if the grant had been made in the February 1995 decision, which found clear and unmistakable error. The veteran is therefore entitled to an effective date of August 20, 1994.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for right shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities are being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The VA has determined that the veteran's left knee strain with limitation of motion does not warrant a higher disability rating than the current 20 percent evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected right ankle fracture with residual traumatic arthritis, lumbar spinal stenosis with disc bulges at L3-4, and medial meniscal tear of the right knee are all rated as they currently are. The veteran is not entitled to higher ratings for any of these conditions.

The veteran is granted a 30 percent evaluation for service-connected post-traumatic arthritis of the right knee, based on painful limitation of motion and slight instability.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of residuals of a left knee medial meniscectomy was denied as he did not file a prior claim within one year of his discharge from service. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date is October 23, 2002.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and other applicable laws, regulations, and guidance. The veteran should be provided a VA examination for his right knee.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a hearing and determining if the veteran wishes to designate a representative.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, a kidney disability, bilateral knee joint pain, hand joint pain, and throat blockage. The appeals were reopened on new evidence but were ultimately denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left eye injury, bilateral shoulder disability, and bilateral knee disability. The decision found that new evidence did not present or submit material evidence to reopen the claim for residuals of an eye injury.

The veteran's bipolar disorder is related to service.,Prior to October 25, 1996, the right knee disability was not manifested by severe impairment. From October 25, 1996 onwards, it was found to have mild impairment.,Tinea versicolor has resolved and no longer requires treatment.,Tinea pedis also resolved and does not require a compensable rating.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a left knee disorder due to new and material evidence. However, after considering all the evidence of record, including post-service medical records that do not support a nexus between military service and the current left knee disorder, the claim is denied as there is no medical evidence establishing a link between the veteran's military service and his current condition.

The veteran's benign prostatic hypertrophy results in nocturnal voiding 3-4 times per night, a diminished stream, and no other symptomatology. His patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee is characterized by extension to at least 14 degrees and flexion to at least 126 degrees without instability or subluxation. The veteran's onychomycosis affects approximately 3cm squared of his feet with no exfoliation, exudation, or itching. His degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is characterized by an approximate loss of 10 percent of motion after prolonged use but without muscle spasm or abnormal spinal contour.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the severity of the veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing right and left knee disabilities were aggravated during his active duty service, allowing for service connection.