Knee decisions — 2010

The Veteran's bilateral total knee replacements are not considered service-connected as there is no evidence of a disease or injury incurred in service, and the current conditions do not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a current right knee condition that is etiologically related to service, and thus denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylosis with strain was increased to a 40 percent rating effective November 22, 2008. The right knee strain remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 17, 1998, for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as he did not meet the criteria for TDIU prior to that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities are not related to his military service, leading to a denial of these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete information and evidence, including the need to obtain SSA records and a VA examination.

The Veteran's arthritis of the hands, hips, knees and upper back is found to be etiologically related to his active service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for her right knee disability prior to March 30, 2004 and for a rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of a total knee replacement beginning May 1, 2005.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability and assigned a 70 percent evaluation for PTSD, effective from the date of claim.

The Board has determined that the reduction in disability rating from 20% to 10% for postoperative residuals of left knee injury, status post medical meniscectomy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was not proper. The 20% rating is restored effective December 1, 2005.

The Veteran's right knee, status post total replacement, has been manifested by right knee pain with limitation of motion but not severe painful motion or weakness in the right lower extremity. Therefore, an increased rating beyond 30 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's knee and ankle conditions have been rated based on their current functional limitations. The right ankle strain has resulted in a compensable evaluation since August 1, 2006.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee based on new and material evidence. The opinion provided by a VA medical professional indicates that inservice trauma may have predisposed the Veteran to develop osteoarthritis, which is now diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the right knee.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee, right knee, and right ankle as secondary to service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his bilateral hearing loss and right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that he is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for his right knee, hip, and leg disabilities is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left knee injury and bilateral hip disability.

The VA denied the appellant's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected ruptured quadriceps tendon of the left knee, as his disability is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's initial claim of a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disorder was granted, with the effective date being April 2005.