Knee Board decisions

The Board finds that the veteran's herpes zoster/shingles, back disability, bilateral foot disabilities, and headaches are service-connected as they are part of an underlying condition.

The Board has established a total rating based on individual unemployability effective from May 31, 1997. The appellant's combined schedular evaluation was 100 percent permanent and total as of that date.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to inadequate examination report and the need to consider a separate rating for arthritis with limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the case for obtaining additional VA Medical Center evidence, as identified by the appellant's representative. The appeal will be returned to the Board after compliance with all requisite appellate procedures.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disease, and denied her requests for increased ratings for right knee disability, left knee disability, and back disability.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, temporomandibular syndrome, fractured skull, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder due to new evidence. However, the claim remains denied as there is insufficient credible evidence to establish the occurrence of the claimed stressors.

The VA denied a higher initial rating for the veteran's right knee disability, currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5259.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for his knee and foot conditions, as well as rhinosinusitis, were denied. Service connection was established for these conditions, but the RO found that they did not warrant increased evaluations.

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

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for secondary service connection were not well grounded and are therefore denied. The RO is directed to consider whether additional notification or development actions are required under the VCAA.

The Board has remanded the case due to new legal requirements under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000, and additional development is needed.

The veteran's service-connected left knee disability, characterized as traumatic arthritis with loose bodies and residuals of a left knee injury, is currently rated at 40 percent. The RO has assigned a 10 percent rating for the traumatic arthritis component and a 30 percent rating for the instability component.

The veteran has withdrawn their appeal, and the case is dismissed without prejudice.

The VA denied the veteran's request for an increased rating for his left knee disability, currently rated at 30 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on current symptoms and medical findings.

The Board has determined that the appellant's left knee disorder is not due to an injury incurred during a period of active or inactive duty for training, and thus service connection cannot be granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right knee disability does not warrant a compensable rating due to lack of functional impairment.

The veteran's pension benefits were reduced due to his receipt of Social Security disability benefits, effective June 1, 1996. The Board found that the reduction was proper based on the law and not disputed by evidence.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for postoperative residuals of right knee chondromalacia, with traumatic arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The VA determined that the appellant's right knee disability, which includes arthritis and an ACL injury, does not warrant a rating higher than the current 10 percent evaluation.