Knee decisions — 2011

The Veteran's mechanically unstable right knee joint warrants a 30 percent disability rating for the entire increased rating period from January 20, 2008. Additionally, a separate 10 percent disability rating is granted for degenerative joint disease of the right knee.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities of the right knee or right foot, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active service. Therefore, the claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has granted the Veteran's service connection claims for right and left knee conditions, finding that the evidence supports a finding of in-service onset and continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and inadequate examination regarding the severity of the Veteran's right knee disability. The Veteran is requested to provide any additional treatment records, including from Gainesville VAMC.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been rated based on their underlying conditions (degenerative arthritis) and instability. The appeals for increased ratings prior to June 28, 2010 are denied as the evidence does not warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's left ankle disability has been rated at 40 percent since May 21, 2008. The right knee disability has been rated with separate additional ratings of 30 percent for extension limited to less than normal and 10 percent for instability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to an increased evaluation for his right knee disability, as the current 10 percent rating adequately reflects the level of impairment. The Veteran's symptoms do not warrant a higher rating based on instability or limitation of motion.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and VA treatment records. A new VA examination of his left knee and hip disability will also be scheduled.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left knee disability, as well as any other relevant medical history. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The increased rating claims for right and left knee disabilities are not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral hearing loss and left knee disability were evaluated, but the claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee status post anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and medical meniscectomy, as well as degenerative arthritis, were denied by the Board. The conditions are currently rated at 20 percent for the former issue and 10 percent for the latter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations to determine the etiology of her MS and current left shoulder disability, as well as assessing the severity of her service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hip and knee disorders are at least as likely as not caused by his military service, including his extended periods of active duty.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disorder as secondary to his service-connected paralysis of the left external popliteal nerve. The claim for residuals of pneumothorax, to include COPD is being reopened and will be addressed on remand.

The Board has determined that the current evidence is inadequate to determine whether the appellant is permanently and totally disabled, necessitating further examination. The case is therefore being remanded for additional development.

The Board dismissed all claims due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal on these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran needs to be provided with VA examinations for her shoulder and knee disorders, as well as any mental health issues. The claims are being remanded to allow for these examinations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for traumatic arthritis of the right knee status post medial meniscectomy was granted effective from November 30, 2007.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records and a VA examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral knee disabilities and their relationship to any low back and hip pathology.