Knee decisions — 2013

The Veteran's left knee disabilities, including degenerative joint disease and torn meniscus with instability, are currently rated at 10 percent for the arthritis and 20 percent for the instability. The claims for higher ratings have been denied.

The Board found that a right knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by the service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's right knee disabilities are not rated higher than 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively.,The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is not rated higher than 10 percent.,Service connection for PTSD was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of proper examination and consideration of functional impairment. The Veteran's right knee disability, including degenerative joint disease and instability, needs to be re-evaluated by VA.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee and left ankle disorders, as well as to obtain updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis is not service connected, but his diabetes mellitus has been rated at 20% since April 1, 2007. The decision on the right knee issue remains pending as it was denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim of service connection for a left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as they are currently rated based on limitation of motion, which does not exceed 10 percent in either knee.

The Veteran's right knee internal derangement and LCL sprain have been granted service connection, with a combined rating of 10 percent. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including the residuals of arthroscopy and chondroplasty, warrants a 20 percent evaluation from June 7, 1995 to February 4, 2003.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disability pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine had its onset in service and is therefore granted service connection for this condition. The right knee and left knee disabilities are not currently addressed as they were remanded.

The Veteran's combined rating for her service-connected disabilities is 40 percent, which does not meet the minimum requirements for a TDIU. The Board finds that she is capable of securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder and right knee disorder are not related to his period of active duty service. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, specifically his right total knee replacement, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board has now granted a higher rating to 60 percent effective May 1, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability was not incurred or aggravated during service and is unrelated to his right knee disability, thus denying the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability and gastrointestinal disorders are not related to his military service, including exposure to aviation fuels or chemicals. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine whether the Veteran meets the criteria for special monthly pension based on aid and attendance or housebound status. The appeal is currently in remand status.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on his service-connected right knee conditions have been withdrawn.

The Veteran's sinus condition, diagnosed as rhinitis, had its onset in service and the Board has granted service connection for this disability. The claims for low back disorder, right ear hearing loss, and right knee disorder are remanded for further development.