Knee decisions — 2010

The Veteran's right femur fracture, knee, and hip disabilities have been rated based on their combined effect. The rating of 10 percent has been maintained for the postoperative residuals of a right femur fracture with shortening of the right extremity since February 2, 2004. Separate ratings of 10 percent each have been assigned for the right knee and hip disabilities effective February 2, 2004.

The Board has granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death and dismissed the claim for DIC under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and earlier effective dates have been withdrawn. The case is being remanded to schedule VA examinations for the right ring finger disability and residual scar, right ring finger.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's claimed disabilities are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that any of these conditions warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left ankle disability. The Veteran is also entitled to an initial rating of 20 percent for his left ankle disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing STRs and need for further development, including medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and review of his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for left knee manifestations with osteoarthritis due to altered gait, since January 28, 2003, was denied by the RO. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the limited range of motion of the left knee.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic PTSD is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran engaged in combat with the enemy and his Vietnam War-related experiences are sufficient evidence to establish the occurrence of a stressor related to his PTSD.

The Veteran's chondromalacia patellae of the left and right knees are rated at 10 percent each, effective December 10, 2009. Service connection for a genitourinary disability is granted.

The Board has determined that it was appropriate to reduce the rating for postoperative residuals of an anterior cruciate ligament tear of the left knee from 30 percent to 20 percent effective October 1, 2003. The Veteran's other claims are pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests for increased evaluations for his service-connected bilateral knee osteoarthritis, assigning a 10 percent evaluation each for limitation of flexion in both knees as of April 25, 2006. The Board also found that an additional 10 percent evaluation is warranted for limitation of extension in both knees.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a left knee disorder, neck disorder, lumbar spine disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)/hiatal hernia, irritable bowel syndrome, and erectile dysfunction, were denied. The RO also denied his claim for an initial compensable evaluation for a scar of the right buttock.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee lateral meniscus tear, neck sprain with residual mild cervicodynia, and thoracolumbar spine with disc bulging of L3-4 and L4-5. The Veteran is currently assigned a 10 percent evaluation for the left knee condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of a left knee disorder.

The Board found no current right knee disability and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disability and right knee disability. Service connection for low back disability is being remanded.

The Veteran does not have current diagnoses of a right knee disability or left ankle disability, and the Board finds that service connection for these conditions is denied.