Knee decisions — 2012

The Veteran's increased disability ratings for her bilateral knee conditions were granted, with the effective dates being prior to May 1, 2012 for some issues and from May 1, 2012 for others.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee chondromalacia patella were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including post-total knee replacement residuals, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability and burn scars of the right foot. This includes obtaining relevant medical records, including from Dr. Teeny and VA Medical Center American Lake, and providing the Veteran with a comprehensive examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service treatment records and a VA examination to determine if current hearing loss, tinnitus, or right knee disability are related to service.

The Board has determined that service connection for a left leg disorder and right leg disorder is not warranted, as there is no evidence of current disabilities or in-service injuries. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disability was denied due to lack of nexus between the claimed condition and service.

The Veteran's appeal was granted for service connection and initial compensable ratings for right eye pterygium, left eye pinquecula, and right knee meniscectomy with osteoarthritis. The Veteran also received a higher initial rating for his right knee instability.,Service connection was established for the right eye pterygium, left eye pinquecula, and right knee meniscectomy with osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's right femur fracture and subsequent knee arthroplasty resulted in a 60% evaluation from November 1, 2010. Prior to September 8, 2009, the Veteran was rated at 30%. The decision is granted for both periods.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, left knee disability, and cephalgia are related to service. The Veteran's current disabilities were not caused by military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection for any of the conditions listed.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee strain and assigned a rating of 10 percent, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's right ankle strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, scheduling a VA examination for his right knee disorder, an increased rating for hepatitis C, and TDIU consideration. The Veteran must be provided with VCAA notice regarding the TDIU element of his claim.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a right knee disorder that is secondary to his service-connected left knee retropatellar pain syndrome. The case is being remanded for further development and examination.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 30 percent for her right knee disability was denied. The RO increased the rating to 30 percent effective August 25, 2008.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a dental disability, urinary incontinence, dyshidrotic eczema, and osteoarthritis of the right knee were denied. The Board found no evidence to support the Veteran's assertions regarding her dental disability or her claim for urinary incontinence. For dyshidrotic eczema, the Board noted that there was no demonstration by medical or lay evidence of record of a current disability requiring systemic therapy. For osteoarthritis of the right knee, the Board found slight limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his symptoms do not warrant such an increase.

The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The RO has granted a separate disability rating of 30 percent for limitation of extension between October 3, 2009 and December 2, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his service or any incident thereof, and thus cannot be granted service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right knee disorder and finds that it is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability. The evidence supports this finding, including VA treatment records indicating degenerative changes in the right knee.