Knee decisions — 2013

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability has been rated as 10 percent for limitation of flexion and 0 percent for limitation of extension. The Board found that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of these percentages.

The Veteran's total right knee replacement has been rated at 60 percent since December 1, 2008. The Board finds that the current rating is appropriate based on his symptoms and residuals.

The Veteran's left knee strain and instability did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations from December 30, 2006.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder was denied as he does not have a current disability. His claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder NOS is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his in-service stressor.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied in a final October 1994 Board decision. The RO granted service connection for his disabilities effective March 13, 2009, the date he filed to reopen his previously denied claims.

The Veteran's left ACL reconstruction and recurrent left knee strain have been granted service connection with initial ratings of 10 percent each, effective February 9, 2009. A separate noncompensable evaluation has also been assigned for left knee numbness.

The Veteran's arthritis of the right and left knees are rated at 10 percent each, but their range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260 (limitation of flexion) or 5261 (limitation of extension).

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee condition, to include DJD, is not etiologically related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records from specific providers and examining his current disabilities.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and psoriasis were not found to be related to his service-connected PTSD.,Right knee disability was granted, but the specific rating assigned is not provided in the decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the Veteran currently has a left knee disability and whether any such disability is related to service, including in-service injuries. The Veteran's claim will be returned to the Board after further review.

The Veteran's PTSD service connection claim is granted, and his right knee disability is rated at 30 percent from June 11, 2013.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current knee disabilities and his service-connected residuals of shell fragment wound (SFW) to the right buttock.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim for further development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion on whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation. The case is also being returned to the RO with updated treatment records and readjudicated.

The Veteran's combined disability evaluation is currently 50 percent, based on multiple service-connected disabilities. The VA examinations and other evidence do not support a finding that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to her service-connected conditions.

The Board finds that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for any of the claimed conditions.,There is no clear and unmistakable evidence (CUE) to overturn previous denial decisions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development due to questions regarding the exact nature and etiology of the disabilities at issue, including the lack of service treatment records.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability was denied as the evidence did not show moderate or severe instability or subluxation, which are required for a higher rating under DC 5257. However, he is entitled to a separate 10 percent rating for degenerative joint disease.