Knee decisions — 2016

The Board has granted service connection for left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome with recurrent subluxation. The claims of service connection for a left foot disability and right foot disability were denied.

The Veteran's appeals were granted, with increased ratings for PTSD and ankle disabilities. The right ear hearing loss was rated as noncompensable, but the effective dates for service connection of diabetic neuropathy in both lower extremities are being remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a 40% disability rating, effective from May 28, 2002. The Veteran's claims for residuals of fracture to the left zygomatic arch and left knee tendonitis were denied as not supported by evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records from the Veteran's December 2014 surgery and considering a temporary total evaluation based on surgical or other treatment. The claim will be readjudicated with consideration of Diagnostic Code 5055 by analogy.

The Board found that the preexisting right knee condition did not worsen during the period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in August 1970, and thus denied service connection.

The Veteran's claim for reentrance into an independent living services program, including the purchase of a massage chair, desktop computer, desk, and recumbent exercise bicycle was denied as his conditions did not warrant such benefits.

The Veteran's left knee disability, posttraumatic arthritis status-post total knee replacement, has not been shown to meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of more than 30 percent as of April 1, 2014.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for instability associated with impairment of the left knee was denied.,A separate 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion of the left knee was granted effective July 25, 2000.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for limitation of extension of the left knee was denied.,An earlier effective date for service connection for limitation of motion was granted.

The Veteran's increased ratings for his knee disabilities were denied, while he was granted compensable ratings and a separate rating for right knee laxity.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records from before 2001 and any relevant treatment at a Los Angeles County hospital. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her right knee chondromalacia with history of recurrent subluxation is granted, and she remains rated at a 10 percent disability rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his right shoulder disability, the nature and etiology of his right knee disorder, and the nature and etiology of his hypertension.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for minimal degenerative disc and joint disease at the L5-S1 level, patellar spurring of the left knee, and patellar spurring of the right knee as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's left ankle disorder, right shoulder rotator cuff disorder, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and bilateral knee disorder were not shown to be related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no evidence of arthritis or instability. The current ratings adequately reflect the severity of the Veteran's symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right above the knee amputation and peripheral artery disease (PAD), finding that these conditions were not related to his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hip and left knee disabilities, as well as a respiratory disability. The evidence does not support a finding of current disabilities or a link to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and missing VA treatment records. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine if his current right knee disorder is related to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for each knee, finding that there was no evidence showing limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or extension beyond normal range. The Veteran's knees were found to have compensable limitations but not reaching higher rating criteria.