Knee decisions — 2011

The Veteran's instability of the left knee is currently rated at 20 percent, effective June 4, 2007. The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left knee remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by arthritis with painful motion and limited flexion to 60 degrees or less, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a DRO hearing at his local VA office.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the current evaluations of his service-connected disabilities are adequate and did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disability is not related to any injury sustained in service other than his April 1999 accident, which was due to willful misconduct. The claim of service connection for migraine headaches was not addressed as it was not part of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further evidentiary development due to a change in representation and request for records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to January 17, 2007 and did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent from January 17, 2007.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, left hip, and tailbone disorders are not related to his service-connected left ankle disability or any other incident of military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim of service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, which was previously denied in March 1985.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and neck conditions due to a lack of competent evidence showing current disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran did not sustain a left knee injury or disease in service, and his current left knee disorder is not related to his active service. The claim for low back disorder is addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his low back, left knee, and left shoulder conditions, prevent him from continuing in his position as a machinist due to their severe effects on his ability to work. The Board finds that the cumulative effect of these disabilities makes it impossible for the Veteran to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records, including from SSA.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized as status post anterior cruciate ligament repair with patellofemoral syndrome and post-traumatic arthritis, has been rated at 10 percent since July 25, 2005. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation for this period.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 20 percent prior to April 1, 2010. The RO denied an increased rating for the period beginning July 23, 2004 and ending April 1, 2010.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been granted, with the right knee initially rated at 10 percent and the left knee also at 10 percent. The effective date is not specified.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and consideration of all evidence, including recent treatment records and a VA examination report. The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his knee disabilities and service connection for prostate cancer will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his left knee disability and its impact on employment.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to determine the relationship between the Veteran's generalized arthritis and his service, including any potential secondary effects from his service-connected diabetes mellitus.