Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent since August 4, 2016. Prior to that date, the disability was rated at 100 percent due to total knee replacement.,For his left knee disability, a separate 10 percent rating is granted effective May 1, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected back and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including examinations of both conditions.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is service connected, but his left shoulder disability cannot be linked to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to inadequate medical opinions regarding his cervical spine and right knee disabilities. The case is now pending for further development.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability pre-existed service and was not aggravated by military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC at a higher rate based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for various service-connected disabilities have been denied. The evidence does not support the assignment of any higher ratings.

The Veteran's patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee was found to have limited flexion and extension, but not to a degree warranting an increased rating prior to April 15, 2010. The evidence did not show instability or other conditions that would justify higher ratings.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorder did not originate in service and is not related to his in-service injury. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine the current severity of her service-connected left knee disabilities, including painful motion. The issues are inextricably intertwined and will be readjudicated following the examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to the need for additional evidence and examination.

The Veteran withdrew his claim for an increased rating of his right knee disability, and the appeal is dismissed.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and a meniscus tear, was rated at 20 percent from June 2, 2001 to May 22, 2003. The rating period is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for bilateral knee condition. The issues of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hip and neck conditions are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right index finger injury, hypertension, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, and bilateral spermatocele. The Veteran's conditions are found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 20 percent, the highest available rating under Diagnostic Code 5262 for impairment of the tibia and fibula. The claim for service connection for left knee arthritis and degenerative arthritis of the back and hips has been granted as secondary to the service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a videoconference hearing due to her request. The issues of service connection and initial ratings remain pending.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a right shoulder or right knee disorder during service, and the Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to her military service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability, was rated at 10% for limitation of flexion and 30% for severe instability prior to September 12, 2011. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating based on the current evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any right ankle, bilateral foot, left knee iliotibial tendonitis, or lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, IVDS and stenosis disabilities. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.