Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for various disabilities, including mental health conditions and musculoskeletal issues. The Board has remanded the case to allow the Veteran to have a DRO hearing.

The Veteran's hypertension, left chest costochondritis, and knee disabilities were evaluated. The claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has determined that the appellant is in need of regular aid and attendance due to her multiple disabilities, which render her helpless or nearly so. As a result, she is entitled to special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's lumbar spine spondylosis with disc degeneration is rated at 20 percent, effective April 16, 2009. The right knee and ankle disabilities are each rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are not service-connected as they are not related to his active military service.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination.

The Board has granted service connection for chondromalacia of the right knee, finding that it is as likely as not related to a right knee injury sustained in an in-service motor vehicle accident. The Veteran's claim was previously denied due to her alleged willful misconduct (drinking and driving), but the Board found insufficient evidence to support this determination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and industrial background.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including his total left knee replacement, is currently rated at 30 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left ear hearing loss, cervical spine disability, a skin disorder of the face and chin, bilateral knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for eczema of the feet was also denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional evidence and for a VA examination. The issues of service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee disorder, and right ankle disorder are on appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and service personnel records. The issues of increased rating for right knee strain and service connection for left knee disorder are inextricably intertwined with the issue of TDIU.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for additional left knee disabilities as a result of VA surgery performed in April 1993, and is considering other service connection claims.

The Veteran's right and left knee chondromalacia patella were evaluated under the criteria for limitation of motion, resulting in a 10 percent evaluation each.,Both knees are currently rated as having flexion limited to at least 45 degrees (full range is 0-140 degrees) and extension limited to no more than 10 degrees (full range is 0-5 degrees).

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The effective date of the award of service connection for bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy was set at June 22, 2006.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions, including left knee disability, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, and headaches, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for post-operative residuals of left knee injury with degenerative changes and instability of the left knee were denied by the Board.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee and low back disorders are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected right knee disorder, warranting a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that for the period from September 1, 2012 to August 16, 2013, the Veteran's post-operative residuals of a total right knee replacement more nearly approximated chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion and warranted a 60% rating.