Knee decisions — 2016

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for PTSD was dismissed due to withdrawal. The reduction of the 30 percent rating for left knee instability to non-compensable effective September 1, 2010, was denied as improper.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected right hip disorder and right knee patellofemoral syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining vocational rehabilitation records and updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and updated VA and private treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's left knee strain results in subjective complaints of pain, weakness, stiffness, and fatigability, with full range of flexion and extension. The current severity does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorder is not causally or etiologically related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding records and additional development is required.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities are not service-connected. The acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder) is also denied as there is no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Veteran's increased rating claims for his knee disabilities were denied by the Board.

The Veteran's right knee retropatellar syndrome with sprain warrants a 10 percent rating for pain and limitation of motion, and a separate 10 percent rating for recurrent subluxations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied as the evidence did not support granting higher disability ratings or a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right and left knee chondromalacia patella have been rated at the highest possible initial rating of 10 percent, as there is no additional limitation in range of motion after repetitive use testing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with an opportunity to submit or authorize VA to obtain private medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered in combination, preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is denied as she does not meet the criteria for a permanent and total disability rating due to her service-connected knee disabilities, which are currently rated at 10 percent each.

The Board has remanded the appeal for further development due to scheduling issues and the Veteran's failure to appear at a scheduled hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after the requested development is completed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to a need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's valgus deformity. The claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities are also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to consider his reported symptoms and treatment records.