Knee decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal of the denial of service connection for a left knee condition has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's service-connected total right knee replacement status post revision is rated at 60 percent, effective from the date of the RO's decision.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, but denied the claim for a left ankle strain.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded due to the failure to appear for a scheduled VA examination. The case will be readjudicated after attempting to reschedule the examination and obtaining any additional evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's postoperative right knee disability, manifested by flexion to 100 degrees with pain at 100 degrees and extension to zero degrees without pain or additional functional loss, warrants a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5260 (limitation of flexion) and Diagnostic Code 5261 (limitation of extension). The Board denied an initial higher rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional evidence and a new examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the etiology of his bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected back injury with limitation of motion warrants a 10 percent disability rating, but not higher. The appeal is remanded for further development regarding TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee injury with DJD does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's left knee synovitis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective from the date of claim. The rating reflects limitation of motion and painful motion without arthritis or instability.

The Veteran's left knee condition, associated with chondromalacia of the right knee and mild degenerative joint disease, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Veteran also has instability of the left knee which warrants a separate 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that there is a need to verify the Veteran's periods of active duty, inactive duty training, and service treatment records. The Veteran should be contacted for further information regarding his claimed conditions during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service records support his claims of gunshot wound and bayonet injury to the left leg and hand during active duty in Vietnam. The scars from these injuries are considered current disabilities, and there is medical evidence linking them to service. Therefore, service connection for residuals of a gunshot wound to the left leg and residuals of a bayonet wound to the left hand has been granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with a rating of 10 percent assigned for the period prior to September 20, 2002.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee contusion and arthritis, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to her active duty service in July 1988.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his knee disabilities and service connection for aortic stenosis have been remanded due to the need for additional records and proper notice.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee strain and arthritis were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may arthritis be presumed to have been incurred therein. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and a need for additional VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a dental disorder, left knee condition, right knee condition, and low back disorder. The evidence submitted since the June 2003 decision is not new and material.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and service connection have been addressed. The Board has granted the Veteran a 100 percent rating for PTSD, as well as an increase in his evaluation for diabetes mellitus with mild renal insufficiency, hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and impotence.