Knee decisions — 2012

The Veteran's initial rating for ventral hernia, incisional repair with residual abdominal wall muscle strain was granted at 10 percent prior to September 23, 2010 and increased to 20 percent as of that date.,The Veteran's right thumb fracture with residual small muscle strain, status post internal fixation of ulnar aspect, received an initial compensable rating of 10 percent prior to December 15, 2010 and was granted a higher rating of 10 percent as of that date.,The Veteran's right foot pes planus is rated at 10 percent.,Service connection for asthma has been established based on its relationship to the service-connected ventral hernia, incisional repair with residual abdominal wall muscle strain; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).,Left foot pes planus was not found to be related to active duty service and is not secondary to any service-connected disorder.,Right knee disability and left knee disability were not found to be related to active duty service and are not secondary to any service-connected disorder.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, has been denied.

The Veteran's residuals of the removal of an osteochondroma from his right leg are currently rated at 10 percent, effective since service connection was granted in March 2007. He also has a separate noncompensable rating for incomplete paralysis of the external cutaneous nerve of the thigh.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his left knee disability and scar have been granted, with the TDIU claim being granted as well.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis of the right and left knees are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to address whether his current knee conditions are aggravated by his service-connected pes planus.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a right knee disability that he believes is related to his service-connected pes planus. The VA examiner found no pathology present for a diagnosis of a right knee disability, but the Veteran's podiatrist stated it was highly probable that bilateral knee pain noted is related to service-connected pes planus. A new VA examination is needed to determine if any current right knee disability exists and whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected pes planus.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need to consider newly service-connected radiation colitis and additional evidence received since the last SSOC.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, post-total right knee replacement, was found to have chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion and weakness. The Board assigned a 60 percent rating based on the severity of these symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for service connection and TDIU is being remanded due to incomplete medical records, unclear treatment history, and the need for further development of evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as a lumbar spine disability, were denied. The Board found no current diagnoses of these conditions in the medical records provided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a left knee disability. The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence and will provide an opportunity for a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been received. The claim was reopened based on additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current left knee disability, including subluxation and dislocation of the patella, had its onset during active duty and is related to service. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral pes planus, right knee instability, and right knee painful motion was denied. The RO also did not assign a compensable rating for right knee limitation of motion prior to May 25, 2011, or grant a greater than 10 percent rating from that date.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right ankle, knee, and hip disabilities are being remanded due to the need for further development including a VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and back disorders, finding new and material evidence. The conditions are considered secondary to his service-connected residuals of a right ankle fracture.

The Veteran's initial ratings for right and left knee patellafemoral syndrome were denied as the evidence did not show that their conditions warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and bilateral knee disability were not incurred in or aggravated by service.,Service connection for tension headaches was granted, but the evaluation remains noncompensable.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fungus of the feet and toenails, a low back disability, and bilateral knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's request for a hearing has been postponed, and the case is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a video hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.