Knee decisions — 2010

The Veteran's knee conditions were found to not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation prior to June 13, 2007. From that date forward, her right and left knee strains with patellofemoral syndrome are each rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board found that the Veteran's diabetes, hypertension, left knee disorder, and low back disorder were not incurred or aggravated by active duty service. The pre-existing conditions were known upon entry into service in 2003.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lipomas, bilateral hearing loss, and knee disabilities were denied. The Veteran was granted compensable ratings for scars from March 2, 2009 onwards, but not before that date. Ratings in excess of the current ones were denied for right and left knee osteoarthritis as well as laxity.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder strain and bilateral knee strain are not related to her period of service, or any aspect thereof. Therefore, she did not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and consideration of the amended criteria for rating traumatic brain injuries.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, to include on a secondary basis to his right knee disability, is granted. The Veteran also has been awarded an increased initial rating of 30 percent for his right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities have been rated at 10 percent each, and the Board finds that there is no evidence to support a higher rating based on current symptomatology.

The Veteran's post-operative right knee disability was granted a 10 percent evaluation effective September 30, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee and right shoulder disorders were aggravated by service, warranting service connection.,A current back disorder was not incurred in service.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder, but denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and bilateral hip disorder. The Veteran's current left knee disorder is related to his service-connected right knee disability. However, the evidence does not support a finding of an in-service injury or disease for his lumbar spine and bilateral hip disorders.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee degenerative arthritis and gunshot wound scar of the left calf are currently rated at their maximum levels, with no additional compensation available.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis is related to his military service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to failure to comply with a previous remand order. The Veteran's claims of service connection for varicose veins and bilateral knee disorders are pending.

The Board has granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's left knee disability, which is more severe than the current 10 percent rating. The increased rating is effective from the date of the claim.

The Veteran's right knee disabilities, including post-operative right medial meniscus bucket handle tear with ACL tear and traumatic arthritis, are currently rated at 30 percent for the former condition and 10 percent for the latter. The increased ratings have been granted.

The Board found no evidence of a left knee disorder related to military service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a back disorder is remanded.

The Veteran's left knee disability is not related to and was not caused by his service connected right knee disabilities. The appeal for increased ratings of the right knee disabilities has been denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before the claim can be adjudicated, including obtaining service treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. The Veteran's right knee disability will be reviewed to determine if it is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected right knee disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not demonstrate symptoms warranting a higher schedular rating, and thus denied the claim.