Knee decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations related to his diabetes, PTSD, and TDIU claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) regarding earlier effective dates for her service-connected right, left flexion, and left extension knee conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability was granted and rated, with some adjustments for different periods of time. The highest rating assigned was 30 percent for the period from October 1, 2013.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for gouty arthritis of the elbows, knees, Achilles tendons, ankles, and great toes has been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 60 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee and right knee arthritis are service-connected as they originated during active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her left ankle and knee disorders were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded both issues for further development and examination. The Veteran's bilateral knee disability and low back disability claims are currently under review.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder, consisting of degenerative arthritis, is as likely as not the result of an injury he incurred in service. As such, the criteria for service connection are met.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for instability of his right and left knees are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's tinnitus was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service and denied the claim. The right knee disability claim is pending and will be remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee conditions do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia with anterior cruciate medial and meniscus ligament tear, or in excess of 20 percent for recurrent subluxation. The evidence does not support higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder, right ankle, left knee, left hip, mid-back, and bilateral thumb conditions are related to his service due to combat injuries. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and updating treatment records. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the claim of service connection for scars, residuals of shrapnel wounds to legs, knee, and chin.

The Veteran's degenerative changes of the cervical spine have been rated at 10 percent since July 27, 2009.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right knee disability, including degenerative changes. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the etiology of any current right knee disability found to be present.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of her claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The issues include service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, initial evaluations for folliculitis and cellulitis of the scalp, a rating for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and restoration of a 40 percent evaluation for lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his service-connected conditions, including left and right knee retropatellar pain syndrome, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right knee disability.