Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by arthralgia and loss of function due to pain, was previously rated at 10 percent. The Board has now granted a 20 percent rating for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is not causally or etiologically related to service, including his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's increased ratings for right knee, left knee, and right shoulder disabilities have been granted.

The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current low back and right knee disabilities to his period of service, resulting in a denial for both claims.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee disability based on limitation of flexion and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities are both denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support granting these claims.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability, is rated at 30 percent effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The lumbar spine disability is rated as noncompensable prior to September 10, 2007, and 10 percent from that date to May 21, 2013, with a 40 percent rating beginning May 22, 2013. The cervical spine disability was also rated as noncompensably disabling prior to May 22, 2013, and 10 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of records. The primary issues involve skin cancer, right knee degenerative joint disease, left knee degenerative joint disease, low back degenerative joint disease, and a neck disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any associated disabilities in his knees and ankles.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including degenerative arthritis and subluxation, is rated at 10 percent since the appeal period began.

The Veteran's costochondritis and patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee were granted service connection, but his patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee was granted with a 10% rating effective March 12, 2013. The Veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating for his costochondritis or patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee.

The Veteran's right eye corneal scarring is not shown to be productive of active pathology or any impairment of visual acuity, and thus does not warrant a compensable rating.,The currently demonstrated left shoulder impingement syndrome is not shown to be due to an event or incident of the Veteran's active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral wrist and knee conditions have been denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a current diagnosis of these conditions, and thus cannot establish service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding his low back, knee, and frostbite conditions. The issues of nerves/depression, lumbar spine disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and residuals of frostbite of the toes will be addressed.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patella, left knee osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patella, and thoracic degenerative disc disease. The claims are granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of instability or subluxation. The Veteran's service-connected psychiatric disorder claim was previously denied and not reopened.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hearing loss, cervical spine disorder, left upper extremity disorder, lumbar spine disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder have all been denied. The only condition found to be service connected is the pre-existing left femur fracture with residual leg shortening.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine and bilateral knee arthritis, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by limited flexion and extension, is rated at 10 percent since January 20, 2010. A separate rating of 10 percent has been granted for the removal of semilunar cartilage.