Knee decisions — 2014

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain updated treatment records and for a VA examination to assess the severity of her service-connected disabilities, specifically her lumbar spine and knee conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU rating as her combined evaluation is less than 60% and she does not have one disability rated at least 40% disabling. The Board finds that her service-connected conditions, alone, are not shown to preclude her from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis, left knee and sarcoidosis. The Veteran's claims remain denied.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for chondromalacia patella of the left knee and left knee laxity prior to July 5, 2010 were granted. For his post-total knee arthroplasty condition, a higher evaluation was also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current hip, ankle, and knee disabilities are not related to his service. The claim for bilateral knee disability was previously denied due to lack of evidence linking it to service.

The Veteran's left knee DJD is currently rated at 10 percent based on symptomatic removal of a semilunar cartilage. For the period of appeal, his disability manifests as painful motion with no additional limitation due to instability or subluxation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorders are not related to his military service and therefore denied his claims for service connection.