Knee decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The RO reduced the evaluation of left knee instability from 10 percent to 0 percent, effective June 1, 2010. The reduction was proper as it considered all relevant evidence and followed the applicable regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his low back and bilateral knee conditions, are of such nature and severity as to preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational background. As a result, the claim for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's left leg and knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent each, with a separate 10 percent rating for his left buttock scar. The VA has granted the requested increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private medical records, as well as potential need for a new examination if there is evidence of surgical procedure or other material change in the severity of the disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current pulmonary embolism with pseudo-gout is not due to service and is not related to his service-connected right knee osteochondritis dissecans, status post arthroscopic surgery.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis, psoriasis, hypertension, and coronary artery disease are not due to service or a service-connected disability.,Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee degenerative joint disease was denied. The Board also found that the criteria for a TDIU on a schedular basis, as well as on an extraschedular basis prior to March 10, 2003, were not met.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be related to service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. Service connection is also granted for benign prostatic hypertrophy. The Board finds no evidence of a current hearing loss disability in either ear, but grants service connection based on continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, nasal fracture residuals are rated at 10 percent, right knee disability and left knee disability each receive a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy receives a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 20 percent, and his retinal detachment of the right eye warrants a separate 10 percent rating. The other issues were not granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and arranging for a VA examination to clarify the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed left knee disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability did not have onset during service and is not otherwise related to service, thus denying her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD with alcohol abuse and various musculoskeletal issues, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that there is no competent evidence establishing a causal connection between the Veteran's current left knee disability and his active service.

The Veteran's claims for right knee disability and hypertension are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right leg and knee disabilities, left leg and knee disabilities, and left ankle disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's initial ratings for his left knee disability have been denied. The VA has determined that the current evidence does not support a higher rating based on either the scar or instability of the left knee.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for tinnitus and left knee disability, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active duty service.