Knee decisions — 2010

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The Veteran's left knee disability was granted an increased evaluation to 30 percent effective February 1, 2008. The Veteran is also entitled to a separate compensable evaluation for instability of the left knee prior to August 24, 2006 and from August 24, 2006 through December 26, 2006. No increased rating is warranted for right knee patella femoral syndrome.

The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the right knee with limitation of flexion is currently rated at 10 percent, and he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The separate 10 percent ratings for instability and extension have been granted effective August 21, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee disabilities were denied. The Veteran was granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for laxity of the right knee, effective September 7, 2004 through April 24, 2005. His claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the right knee, status-post total knee replacement surgery, was denied.

The Veteran's left knee disability is not service-connected, and his increased rating for gastric ulcers has been denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling medical examinations to determine the likely etiology of the Veteran's claimed knee disorders and headaches.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, finding that they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including degenerative joint disease and ACL deficiency, has been rated at 30 percent since August 1, 2008. The rating is for residual pain following total knee replacement.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was granted, but the claims for bilateral knee disorder and residuals of a low back injury are pending. The status of other issues is unknown.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of additional evidence, including private medical records. The issue remains about entitlement to an increased disability rating for his service-connected right knee injury residuals.

The Board has determined that an additional medical examination is needed to determine the etiology of any bilateral knee conditions and whether they were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Veteran's claim for GERD was denied as there is no current evidence of a gastrointestinal disorder related to service. The claims for increased ratings and left knee disability secondary to right knee disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his left knee disability, which may be related to service. The case will then be readjudicated.

The Veteran's right knee was rated at 20 percent for meniscal tear, effective from January 26, 2008. The left knee remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee, left knee, and low back disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection and reopening of claims were dismissed as untimely filed.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left knee degenerative changes and right knee sprain disabilities, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a failure in VA's duty to assist, specifically requesting treatment records from Dr. Smith.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a left knee injury related to his active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.