Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including a left knee disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than depression (PTSD), has been granted. The effective date of the grant is not specified.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were reopened, but the Board found that new and material evidence was not received to substantiate his claims. The PTSD claim resulted in a rating of 50% prior to November 14, 2014, and 70% thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain VA examinations for his claimed back injury, right knee disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The RO will coordinate efforts with the correctional facility to accommodate the Veteran by arranging for an examination at Soledad State Prison if possible.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and updated medical records. The Board will review the claims file and provide a supplemental statement of the case if necessary.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance for substitution purposes.

The Veteran's right hand disability is rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under DC 5215. The Board finds that a higher or separate rating for ankylosis of any involved joint is not warranted as there is no evidence of such.

The Veteran's right knee disability is being remanded for additional development to determine if it clearly and unmistakably preexisted service, whether it was aggravated by a September 1972 fall during boot camp, and the likelihood that it is related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for urinary incontinence and denied for presbyopia. The remaining issues are addressed below.

The Veteran's low back, bilateral hip and left knee disabilities are not service connected as they did not manifest in service or within one year of separation. The VA examiners found no evidence that the current conditions were caused by his service-connected right knee disability.,The Veteran's right knee DJD is currently rated at 40 percent based on limitation of motion.

The Board denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis with total knee replacement, including secondary to a service connected left knee disability. The evidence submitted was found to be cumulative and not material.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left leg disability and finds that new evidence submitted since the last final denial raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim. The case is remanded to obtain an addendum opinion from the VA examiner regarding whether the Veteran's current left knee and left leg disabilities are related to his active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for a new examination to assess the severity of his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has granted a clothing allowance for the year 2014 due to wear and tear on the Veteran's clothing caused by his service-connected knee braces and wrist splints, despite the VAMC finding that there were no exposed metal or plastic inserts in the braces.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative joint disease and dislocated semilunar cartilage (meniscus injury) are both service-connected, with the meniscus condition receiving a higher initial rating of 20 percent due to frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for further development and clarification of medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including shell fragment wounds and psychiatric disorders, are granted. The Board finds that the Veteran engaged in combat with the enemy and his reported injuries during service are credible.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability is not aggravated by his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine, low back, right and left carpal tunnel syndrome, and right knee disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and back disabilities are related to his service-connected left knee disability, and thus grants service connection for these conditions on a secondary basis.

The combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities make him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.