Knee decisions — 2016

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to April 8, 2015 and did not meet criteria for any of the requested increased ratings.

The Veteran's left tibial fracture is found to be secondary to his service-connected knee conditions. His migraines are rated at 30 percent since March 17, 2008.

The Veteran's left knee DJD, right shoulder disability (including DJD), and left foot disability are all found to be service-connected. The initial compensable rating for residuals of a left shoulder injury is granted, while the claim for an increased rating for cervical spine disability prior to September 26, 2014 and from that date remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees is manifested by chronic pain, but no other functional impairment. The VA examinations have shown full range of motion with no significant clinical findings or flare-ups.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hepatitis B disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent prior to November 1, 2016. The Veteran is immune to Hepatitis B and does not have daily fatigue, malaise, or anorexia with minor weight loss and hepatomegaly.

The Board has decided that the appeal is remanded due to incomplete records and need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for left and right knee disorders as secondary to cold weather injuries of the feet.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder and tinnitus are not related to his military service.,Service connection for a left knee disorder is denied as there is no evidence of chronic left knee problems during or within one year after service, and the current condition is more likely due to aging and wear and tear.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to comply with recent case law regarding range of motion testing.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral ankle and knee disorders are not related to his military service, as there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease. The VA examiners concluded that the Veteran's conditions are more likely due to obesity and long-term occupational activities.

The Board granted an initial rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's left knee disability, status post knee replacement. The right knee disability claim was remanded and is pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's alcohol abuse is caused by his service-connected PTSD. Therefore, the claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension is etiologically related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus, and therefore grants service connection for hypertension on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his right knee disability and service connection for a left knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of entitlement to these benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding continuous left knee pain since service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings for left knee disability and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The issues of entitlement to service connection have not been addressed.

The Veteran's right knee arthroplasty has been shown to result in pain, swelling, and limited motion. However, the current rating of 30% adequately reflects these symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, as well as the retrieval of VA treatment records.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, heel spurs (bilateral feet), hip disorder (bilateral), and knee disorder (bilateral). The Veteran's current diagnoses are considered to be related to his military service.