Knee decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected disabilities, including a lumbar spine disability and left knee disability. The issues include seeking increased ratings for these conditions as well as TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee disability causally related to, or aggravated by, service. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic thoracolumbar spine strain is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee arthritis is related to his service-connected right knee arthritis and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a low back disability, right leg arthritis, and right leg gunshot wound. The rating decision also granted an increased rating for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right leg and separate ratings for shortening of bones in the right leg and a painful scar on the right leg.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and the need for additional development, including obtaining updated addresses and medical records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities have been granted, with the effective date being March 27, 2015. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for each knee.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical evidence and provide an examination to determine if the Veteran's current right knee disability is related to his in-service injury or symptoms. The appeal will be returned for further action.

The Board has granted service connection for chronic musculoligamentous strain of the right shoulder, bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome, and chronic bilateral musculoligamentous ankle strain.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and meningitis, as well as his service connection claims for hypertension, bilateral knee disabilities, and sleep apnea. The Veteran was already service-connected for PTSD, which encompasses his memory loss symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and residuals of frostbite to the feet due to credible evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran requires regular aid and attendance as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for corns and calluses of the feet, and a rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD. The Veteran's claims for knee disabilities, OSA, flat feet, and low back disability are pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to insufficient competent medical evidence on file, indicating that the Veteran's knee conditions may be associated with his spinal condition. The case is now before the Board for further appellate consideration.

The Veteran's left knee disability resulted in painful movement with limited extension to 10 degrees and limited flexion to 80 degrees, without ankylosis or instability. The current rating of 10 percent is appropriate for this period.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to new evidence received. The Board finds that these conditions are related to his military service, including parachute jumps, and grants service connection.

The Veteran's unauthorized non-VA medical expenses incurred on April 24, 2011 for migraine headaches and vomiting were covered as they met the criteria of an emergency treatment. The expenses incurred on September 29, 2011 did not meet these criteria.

The Veteran does not have a back disability, bilateral leg disability, bilateral arm disability, bilateral knee disability, or an acquired psychiatric disorder that was caused by his service.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 10 percent for the periods from December 9, 2002, to May 19, 2010, and after April 26, 2013. For the period from October 7, 2011, to December 29, 2011, and for the periods from January 5, 2009, to August 23, 2009, and from October 1, 2009, to May 19, 2010, his left knee disability was rated at 10 percent. After April 26, 2013, the Veteran's left knee disability with total knee replacement was rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hand carpal tunnel syndrome and for increased ratings for her right and left foot calcaneal spurs, as well as for bilateral plantar fasciitis. The Veteran's knee disabilities are also not rated higher.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not show any additional limitation of motion or functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigue, or incoordination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for his service-connected tinea versicolor with acne and chondromalacia patella of both knees, as well as an earlier effective date for service connection for tinnitus. The Board found that there was no evidence of in-service noise exposure or hearing loss, and thus denied the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss.