Knee decisions — 2017

The Board found that there is no established current right knee disability and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The issue of an increased rating for degenerative joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine was also addressed, but a final decision could not be rendered due to the inextricably intertwined TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues including service connection claims, increased rating claims, and TDIU. The right ankle disability received a 10% rating, but no higher. Bilateral external otitis remained at the 10% rating. Diabetes mellitus continued to be rated at 20%. Peripheral neuropathy of both lower extremities was rated at 40%, but no higher.

The Veteran withdrew his claims for service connection and to reopen the claims of service connection for several conditions, including left knee condition, right shoulder condition, right knee condition, left shoulder condition, cephalalgia, back condition, and right foot condition. As a result, all appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for various knee and ankle conditions, as well as a wrist injury. The Board found that the evidence supported these findings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations of his left knee DJD and ulnar neuropathy of the left upper extremity.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and anxiety disorder, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service. Service connection is also granted for bilateral hearing loss, but not for bilateral knee arthritis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining inpatient medical records from Ft. Jackson Base Hospital and providing an addendum opinion on the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board granted a rating of 30 percent for service-connected labyrinthitis, to include vertigo, effective May 20, 2016. The Veteran's left knee sprain effusion with degenerative joint disease (DJD) is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran is precluded from substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, including migraine headaches and hypothyroidism. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether he is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his left shoulder, left knee, and right knee disabilities were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent for the left shoulder disability or in excess of 10 percent for either knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, right knee scars, and status post fractured sternum.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining an adequate VA examination to determine the severity of his service-connected right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent under DC 5257. From April 17, 2009, the criteria are met for a separate 20 percent rating for right knee locking, pain, and effusion under DC 5258.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Counseling folder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities, including lower back strain, bilateral knee and ankle disorders, are not related to service or any injury sustained therein.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and the need for updated medical records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability will be reconsidered.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the joints (hands, fingers, toes of both-feet, bilateral knees, and bilateral elbows) was denied as there is no current diagnosis. The claims for increased ratings for varicose veins were also denied due to lack of evidence showing persistent edema or stasis pigmentation/eczema.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the right knee instability warranted a 20 percent rating, but not higher; postoperative fracture of the supracondylar (limited extension) and arthritis from June 20, 2012 warranted no more than a 40 percent rating; arthritis from December 7, 2000 to June 20, 2012 was rated at 10 percent. The effective date for TDIU prior to January 16, 2014 was not addressed.

The Veteran's right knee instability and degenerative disc disease have been granted a disability rating of 20 percent, effective from September 21, 2016. The Veteran previously had a lower rating for his right knee instability.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right and left knees have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.