Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his lumbar spine and right hip disabilities, as well as separate ratings for left and right knee disabilities, were granted. Additionally, the Board found that he is entitled to TDIU from February 26, 2014.

The Board found no service connection for the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder or Hepatitis B due to lack of in-service incurrence and credible medical evidence. The claims were denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for service-connected retropatellar pain syndrome of the left knee and osteoarthritis of the right knee are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease (DDD) and arthritis, is related to service. The right knee disorder and left knee disorder are not found to be related to service.

The Board has granted a rating of 10 percent for the Veteran's right knee disability, effective from the date service connection was established. A separate rating of 20 percent is assigned for meniscus dislocation.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral knee strain is likely related to her in-service injuries and pain, thus granting service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining service records related to the Veteran's attempt at reenlistment in October 1995 and seeking addendums to medical opinions regarding the current left knee disability and left ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling him for a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for her lumbar spine disability is granted, effective from January 1, 2014. Her right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and varicose veins are rated as appropriate. The left knee claim to reopen and the lower extremity varicose veins effective date claim are referred back to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to verify the stressor event and obtain any outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and ensuring all available VA and non-VA treatment records are obtained.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining personnel records and private treatment records, scheduling VA examinations, and providing updated medical opinions.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been rated at 20 percent each, reflecting the severity of his symptoms including frequent episodes of pain, locking, and effusion into the joints.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DJD of the right and left knees, as well as bilateral pes planus, were denied. The VA examinations did not find any moderate or severe symptoms that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right hip disability, depressive disorder, fatigue disorder, throat disorder, shoulder joint pain, left hip bursitis, and left knee strain. The decision also addressed issues related to melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, nevus, toe joint disorders, and a bilateral leg condition (claimed as muscle pain).

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the left knee is currently rated at 10 percent for the period prior to April 9, 2010. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms and does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's DJD of the right and left knees were found to be incurred during service, resulting in a grant of service connection. A compensable initial rating of 20 percent was assigned for his right shoulder pain with limited range of motion.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as her symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder, bilateral leg disorders, bilateral hip disorders, and bilateral knee disorders are all service connected as they were aggravated by his service-connected pes planus.

The Board has ordered additional development to address the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and TDIU, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for a VA examination.