Knee decisions — 2008

The veteran's anxiety and depression are rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum available rating under Diagnostic Code 9400.,Migraines have been rated at 10 percent since August 27, 2007, and 30 percent thereafter. The current rating adequately reflects the severity of this condition.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a new examination.

The veteran's left knee disability was increased to a 40 percent rating effective October 6, 2004. His right hip disability was also increased to a 30 percent rating effective the same date.

The veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease, status-post ACL tear and arthroscopy to include Baker's Cyst behind the knee is currently rated at 10 percent. The evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no compensable limitation of motion.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee instability and degenerative joint disease, as well as his claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities. The evidence does not support a higher rating or TDIU.

The Board found no evidence of a causal relationship between the veteran's lumbar spine disability and any incident of service, including his service-connected left knee disability. The right knee medial meniscus tear was not related to military service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral knee disability was not incurred or aggravated by active service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right knee osteoarthritis was rated at 20 percent prior to December 15, 2004, and the status/post total right knee replacement is currently rated at 30 percent since February 1, 2006.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran's service-connected disorders may be aggravating his hypertension.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected right knee arthroplasty does not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for retropatellar pain syndrome of the left knee, right knee, plantar fasciitis of the left foot, and plantar fasciitis of the right foot. The veteran was also denied service connection for back pain due to thoracolumbar scoliosis and PCOS with infertility and hirsutism.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and hip disabilities as secondary to the veteran's service-connected Achilles tendinitis of the left ankle and plantar fasciitis of the left foot. The VA found that there was no evidence linking these disabilities directly to her service-connected conditions.

The Board finds that the veteran's osteoarthritis of multiple joints, including his cervical spine, lumbar spine, knees, hands, and feet, is related to his active military service. The appeal for this issue is granted.

The Board has denied service connection for ligamentous laxity of the MCP joint of the right thumb and residuals of a left knee injury. Service connection is necessary for examination for osteoarthritis of the right knee, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral ankle, wrist, and knee conditions as they are not due to an undiagnosed illness or a medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness related to his Persian Gulf War service.

The veteran's PTSD has been rated at 100% since January 6, 1997 due to total occupational and social impairment. The low back disability is currently rated as 20%, effective from November 7, 1998.

The VA determined that the veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome, as manifested by painful motion and weakness but no instability or arthritis, warrants a 10 percent rating.

The veteran's claims for service connection for low back and left knee disorders, both secondary to his right knee injury, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.