Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's right knee disability has been evaluated at a noncompensable (zero percent) rating since September 2002. The most recent VA examination in March 2013 showed limited range of motion, but no additional limitations due to pain or weakness. As the current evaluation is already at the minimum compensable level, any higher evaluation based on limitation of motion under Diagnostic Codes 5260 and 5261 is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating on an extra-schedular basis for right total knee replacement, evaluated as 60 percent disabling from March 1, 2007, was denied by the Board.

The Veteran's left knee DJD status post removal of semilunar cartilage has been rated at 20 percent since June 2, 2003. The Board is remanding the case to address whether a separate rating for limitation of flexion should be granted and if the original 10 percent rating for symptomatic removal of the left knee semilunar cartilage under DC 5259 is protected.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left hip, bilateral pes planus, and left knee disabilities. The examiner is to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are related to service or aggravated by his service-connected ilio inguinal nerve entrapment syndrome.

The Board found no evidence of arthritis or knee/leg disabilities in service, and the medical opinions were not supportive of a nexus to service. The Veteran's claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal on the claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to his failure to appear for a Travel Board hearing scheduled in May 2013. He requested rescheduling of the hearing.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, leaving only the issue of an increased rating for left knee disability in appellate status. The Board dismissed the appeal as a result.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder, left knee disability, and right knee disability based on new evidence submitted since the prior denial.,Service connection is granted for posttraumatic stress disorder as it is related to fear of hostile military activity during service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and the obtaining of relevant medical records.

The Veteran's right knee pain with osteoarthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects her current functional impairment.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's ratings for his degenerative joint disease and right knee instability was proper, as there was material improvement in both conditions under ordinary circumstances.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including an examination to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed right shoulder, left knee, and left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for a low back condition and zygomatic arch fracture residuals were withdrawn. The Veteran was granted service connection for right elbow lateral epicondylitis, bilateral knee patellofemoral syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to the Veteran's claimed right shoulder, left leg/knee, and right leg disabilities. The claims for service connection were denied as there was insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a videoconference hearing on his service connection claims and obtaining a VA examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral inguinal hernia.

The Veteran's retropatellar pain syndrome of the bilateral knees is related to service and service connection has been granted.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including his partial knee replacement surgery in September 2009, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board has granted a temporary 100 percent evaluation for one year following the surgery.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle, hip, and knee disabilities are not causally or etiologically related to service. The preponderance of evidence is against the claims for service connection.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain medical records and provide an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's knee disabilities, specifically whether they are related to his service-connected back disability.