Knee decisions — 2015

The appellant's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of both issues on appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for the diagnosed medial right knee degenerative joint disease. The low back disability claim is remanded due to inadequate examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is related to service, but his acquired psychiatric disorder is not. Service connection for the knee condition is granted, while service connection for the psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and increased rating for left knee enthesophyte, status post crush injury. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his left knee disorder has been granted, with a separate 10 percent evaluation assigned for limitation of flexion since August 1, 2014. The issue of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for limitation of extension prior to April 3, 2010 remains unresolved.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination of his bilateral knee disabilities due to evidence indicating worsening since the last VA examination in January 2010.

The Veteran's left knee disability has been rated at 10 percent since December 12, 2007 and at 20 percent from March 1, 2008. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period of time.

The Board has restored the original 20% ratings for right and left ankle disabilities, granted separate initial 10% ratings for right and left knee instability, and denied increased rating claims for right and left knee disabilities. The Veteran's MDD remains at a 70% rating.

The Board has remanded the case due to failure to obtain VA treatment records and a need for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and post-operative residuals of ACL reconstructive surgery are related to service, resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's PTSD with depression, left knee degenerative joint disease, right knee degenerative joint disease, malunion fracture of the right femur, proximal right tibia osteomyelitis, residual scar of a shell fragment wound to the left side of the left leg and multiple residual scars from multiple shell fragment wounds to the shoulders, left forearm and lower extremities have been rated based on their current manifestations. The Veteran's PTSD with depression has been granted an increased rating to 50% effective prior to November 27, 2013.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 30 percent for the period from October 1, 2010 to February 17, 2012. The Board found that the symptoms and impairment included flexion limited to 90 degrees, extension limited to 15 degrees, constant dull pain, intermittent shooting pain managed by daily use of prescription medication, use of a cane for walking, and pain resulting in functional impairment when lifting, moving up and down off equipment, getting in crawl spaces, and ascending or descending stairs. The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at the minimum compensable rating following knee replacement surgery.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration (SSA) records and updated VA treatment records. The case will be reconsidered after these steps.

The Veteran's service-connected posttraumatic arthritis and left knee instability prior to February 18, 2013 did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right wrist disability, right shoulder arthritis, sleep disorder, and separated collar bone. The claim seeking increased ratings for various disabilities was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right leg and right knee conditions are not service-connected, as there is no credible evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right leg disorder, left leg disorder, erectile dysfunction, bilateral knee disorder, diabetes mellitus, kidney disorder, headaches, eye disorder, heart disorder, prostate disorder, neurological disorder, and gastrointestinal disorders. The decision was based on secondary service connection.

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

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals, right knee injury to include degenerative arthritis was denied as the Veteran failed to report for scheduled VA examinations without good cause.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, to include as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.