Knee decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome was denied due to failure to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The Board found that the submitted statements were duplicative.

The Veteran's appeal is for a higher initial rating for his left knee disorder, and he needs to be reexamined. His bilateral eye condition may have worsened during his second period of active duty, but further examination and evidence are needed to determine if this is the case.

The Veteran's fibromyalgia was incurred in, or caused by, her military service. The Board finds that the Veteran's right knee condition is secondary to a service-connected left knee condition.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right knee condition, and left knee condition was denied as there is no evidence of current disability or in-service incurrence/aggravation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, left hip disorder (secondary to left knee), left index finger disorder, and lumbar back disorder are not supported by the evidence of record. The Board found no current disability related to active duty service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal of the initial ratings assigned for the lumbar spine disability and right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected chondromalacia of the left knee is currently rated at 10 percent, and there is no evidence to support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings warranted due to lack of additional limitation or instability. The hiatal hernia with reflux is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.,Neither the right nor left knee disability has been found to meet criteria for a higher rating based on functional impairment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus and service connection for plantar fascia and a right knee disorder, finding that his conditions did not warrant higher ratings based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right knee patellofemoral pain and posterior tendonitis of the right ankle, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is necessary prior to its adjudication of the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his major depressive disorder and degenerative arthritis of the knees and spine, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a left knee disability and the Veteran's peripheral neuropathy was less likely as not caused by his military service, including presumed herbicide exposure. As such, the claims for these conditions are denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 40% rating from June 18, 2010. The left knee arthritis and instability issues remain unresolved.

The Veteran's compound fracture of the upper third, left fibula has been rated at the highest available schedular rating (30%) throughout the appeal period. No new issues have arisen that would warrant a different rating.

The Veteran's right knee disorder, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis with instability, has been rated at 10% since November 23, 2009. The initial rating was granted in March 2008 and adjusted to the current level in March 2011.

The Veteran's right knee bursitis is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, with limitation of extension to 10 degrees. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss was granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's left knee disorder and whether it was caused or aggravated by service. The case will be remanded for further action.

The Board found that the Veteran's claims were denied as there was no evidence of a reduction in disability rating or service connection issues related to exposure. The maximum schedular ratings for her knee disabilities have been granted.