Knee decisions — 2010

The Veteran's bilateral knee pain and recurring headaches are found to be related to her military service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, including post-surgical residuals and degenerative joint disease, is rated at 10 percent since June 1, 2007. The decision grants a separate 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion due to the degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities, including whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right knee conditions and special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status have been denied as the evidence does not support higher ratings.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the right knee is productive of pain and some limitation of motion but without recurrent subluxation or lateral instability. The criteria for assignment of a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent have not been met.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete compliance with prior instructions.

Service connection was denied for a right knee disorder. The Veteran's right lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment is rated at the highest available schedular rating (10%). A compensable rating of 10% was assigned for status post inguinal hernia repair, effective from the date following separation from service.

The Veteran has a bilateral foot disability that is related to active service and is granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, hallux valgus, right knee arthrosis, and sleep apnea syndrome with REM sleep disorder, sleepiness and tiredness have been granted. The Veteran is now entitled to the assigned ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a hearing loss disability for VA purposes and denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The RO granted service connection for right ankle sprain with ligamentous laxity and assigned a 10 percent evaluation, which is upheld by the Board. However, the Veteran's initial ratings for right knee strain with infrapatellar tendonitis are denied as they do not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of right knee and left hip disabilities. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing updated medical opinions regarding his knee disabilities and peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a retained metallic foreign body of the left knee has been reopened and granted. His right fibula fracture with right knee arthritis is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and affording the Veteran a VA examination to address his claims of service connection for low back disorder and bilateral knee disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records, Social Security Administration (SSA) records, and an examination to determine if a back disability is related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 10 percent for each knee disorder, effective July 6, 2002.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, including the residuals of a total knee replacement and arthritis, is rated at 30 percent since September 13, 2001. The rating for the period prior to March 22, 2006, was increased to 30 percent.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a left knee injury, finding no medical evidence linking the current DJD to an in-service injury.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the bilateral elbows and granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee with a rating of 10%. The right knee condition remains unaddressed.