Knee decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed right, left knee disabilities and low back disability are not related to his military service. The claim for residuals of a left ankle fracture is denied as well. Service connection for hepatitis C cannot be established.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent effective December 18, 2009. His right knee instability is currently rated at 10 percent effective August 14, 2007.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings has been granted. He is now rated 40 percent disabled for complications from surgical damage to muscle group XIV of the right thigh, with a separate noncompensable rating for muscle group XVI and a compensable evaluation (10%) for a tender scar on his right thigh.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder is granted based on credible assertions and documented medical history. The Board also notes that higher ratings are available for the lumbosacral sprain with referred pain to the left hip but does not grant increased ratings as no new evidence has been presented.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the claim for service connection for a right knee disability. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by osteoarthritis with chondromalacia patella, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating as there was no indication of instability or ankylosis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to determine the likely etiology of his claimed disabilities and a rescheduled VA ophthalmology examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete records and need for a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disorder did not preexist service and was not aggravated by service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for degenerative changes of the right knee is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability is not related to his military service, including parachute jumps. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is related to his active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 30 percent for service-connected scars, post-trauma to head and face was denied. The Board found that the current level of disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 7800.

The Veteran's claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted effective June 22, 2007. The TDIU is based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD rated at 50% disabling since March 13, 2006.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The left knee condition is rated at the maximum allowable, and the right knee and wrist conditions do not warrant a compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee and ankle conditions were denied by the RO.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and requesting releases from Drs. K.K. and C.A.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome is rated at 10 percent prior to April 20, 2010 and at 30 percent from that date. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of her right knee traumatic arthritis, status post total knee arthroplasty is being remanded due to the need for additional development including a VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee injury was not incurred in service and denied both his claim for service connection and his request for a temporary total evaluation based on surgical treatment. The evidence did not show an in-service injury or continuity of symptomatology since service.