Knee decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied. The Board found no competent, credible evidence linking any of the claimed disorders to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for bilateral knee strain has been granted, with each knee receiving a 10% evaluation.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder did not manifest during service and is not otherwise related to his military service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at the maximum allowable under DC 5271, and a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's left foot plantar fasciitis is currently rated as 20 percent disabling, which represents the highest available rating under DC 5276. A higher or separate rating is not warranted without evidence of ankylosis, astragalectomy (the surgical removal of the talus bone), or malunion of os calcis or astragulus bones.,The Veteran's left knee bursitis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable DCs. The highest available rating is 10 percent under DC 5284, as it is rated as 'other foot injury'.,Bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at zero percent and no higher ratings are warranted based on the provided information.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disorder was not shown to be related to service, and the Board denied his claim for direct service connection. The issues of secondary service connection for knees and hips remain pending.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disorder was denied, and he is currently rated at 10 percent for arthritis of the left knee.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional treatment records and afford him new examinations. The case will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental medical opinion regarding secondary service connection for a right knee disability, claimed as due to diabetes mellitus or obesity secondary to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated medical examinations and records, as well as verification of his current address.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, the highest schedular rating available. The right knee disability claim has been reopened and new evidence supports reopening the claim.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal in writing.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claims for cardiac, left shoulder, right hand, and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development of his VA treatment records and medical examinations.

The Veteran's appeal regarding higher ratings for degenerative arthritis of the right and left knees has been withdrawn, resulting in dismissal of the appeal.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis has been rated at 10 percent since September 14, 1997. The lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome issue remains unresolved as the appeal is not about service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The issues of entitlement to initial compensable disability ratings and service connection are not addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including the ACL tear and DJD, is currently rated at 10 percent. The most recent VA examination did not show additional limitation of motion or loss of function due to pain, weakness, fatigue, lack of endurance, or incoordination.

The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50% disability rating prior to October 16, 2012. The bilateral knee disorder and left foot disorder were not found to be service-connected.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected left knee disability was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left hip or left knee disability and finds no evidence of such in service. The VA examination report found no relationship between any current left knee disability and service, including the 1981 treatment at Denver General Hospital.