Knee decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is not granted any initial ratings as his claims are being returned to the RO/AMC for further consideration.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is granted with a rating of 20 percent effective July 17, 2008. The ratings for varicose veins in both lower extremities and chondrocalcinosis of the left knee are denied. The Veteran's residual scar from the excision of a cyst on his wrist is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the relationship between his service-connected right knee disability and any claimed left knee, right hip, hypertension, and sleep disorder disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral knee disability were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of such within one year after discharge from service. The claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that a new examination is necessary to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability, including whether it is at least as likely as not due to or aggravated by his service-connected left knee condition. The case will be remanded for this purpose.

The VA determined that the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, which has been rated at 10 percent since May 2006, does not warrant an increased evaluation as his flexion is limited to 135 degrees, well within the range for a non-compensable rating.

The Board found that the reduction of a 10 percent disability rating to a noncompensable rating for patellofemoral pain syndrome, left knee was not proper due to inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records. The issues are whether he has bilateral knee disabilities related to service.

The Board found that there is no current evidence of residuals of pneumonia or a right knee disability, and thus denied the Veteran's claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain missing service treatment records and VA examination opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle condition is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for residuals of a left ankle injury. The claim for a left knee disorder remains pending as it was not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran seeks a TDIU rating based on his service-connected disabilities, but the VA examinations did not provide sufficient information to determine if he is unemployable due to these conditions. The case is being remanded for additional medical development.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and post-surgical meniscectomy, was granted with initial ratings. From September 8, 2004 to January 15, 2010, he received a 10% rating for arthritic changes. Since then, he has been rated at 40% for limitation of extension.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his current medical condition, including recent hospitalization and diagnosis of lung cancer. The RO will also obtain any relevant private treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for her left knee disability, including the condition following synovial plica excision, was denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorder, but denied her claims for service connection for bilateral hip and foot disorders due to lack of evidence showing a current disability or relationship to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated VA treatment records. The claims will be reconsidered after these are obtained.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee and left knee conditions, as well as his right ankle condition. The RO assigned initial 10 percent ratings under DCs 5260 (limitation of flexion) and 5261 (limitation of extension) for each affected joint.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including Type II diabetes mellitus and related conditions, coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities, peripheral neuropathy, erectile dysfunction, and left knee instability, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he is entitled to a TDIU rating.