Knee decisions — 2011

The Veteran's left knee disability, including symptoms of instability and pain, has not met the criteria for a higher rating since January 11, 2010. The current rating of 30% is the maximum allowed under Diagnostic Codes 5261 (limitation of extension) and 5259 (surgically removed semilunar cartilage).

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current bilateral knee disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that these ratings are not warranted for increased disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and conducting an appropriate VA examination.

The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's claims for service connection of left knee and left ankle disabilities, as there is no current disability related to documented incidents during active service.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant, and thus no jurisdiction remains to adjudicate the merits of this claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his migraine headaches and determine the nature and likely etiology of any claimed psychiatric disorder. The right knee disorder claim will also be remanded.

For the period from April 12, 2007, to July 10, 2009, the Veteran's left knee disability was evaluated as 10 percent disabling based on osteoarthritis and limitation of flexion. A separate 10 percent evaluation was granted for noncompensable limitation of extension due to significant functional impairment.,For the period from July 11, 2009, the Veteran's left knee disability is evaluated as 10 percent disabling based on osteoarthritis and limitation of extension to 5 degrees with significant functional impairment due to pain.

The Board has remanded the case for further action, including scheduling a video conference hearing at the local VA office in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of bilateral pterygium removal due to aggravation during active military service.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including ratings for his knee and leg disabilities, effective date claims, and a need for permanent aid and attendance. The case is being remanded to allow for further development of medical evidence and clarification of the Veteran's entitlement.

The Board found that the Veteran's pre-existing left ankle and knee disabilities were not aggravated by his military service, thus denying service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination and incomplete consideration of all evidence.

The Board found that the Veteran's and his service comrades' accounts of a left knee injury during ACDUTRA in 1978 were not credible, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 10 percent from September 26, 2001 to October 5, 2009. Since December 1, 2010, he is in receipt of a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for his service-connected left knee DJD with cartilage dysfunction and lumbosacral strain have been granted, but the claims are denied as he does not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on instability or limitation of motion.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and development of his left knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability in service or within one year after separation from service. The VA examiner opined that any current knee disabilities were more likely related to post-service employment rather than service.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have been incurred in service, and the other claims for service connection were granted.

The Board has determined that residuals of a right knee injury, status-post medial meniscectomy and patelloplasty, with post-traumatic degenerative arthritis, had its onset in service. The Veteran's current surgical scar is also found to be related to his active service.