Knee decisions — 2017

The Board has remanded the case for an additional opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome, specifically whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability or right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability warrants a rating of 20 percent, but not higher, for arthritis with painful motion. The criteria for any higher ratings have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disorder is not related to service or a service-connected right knee disorder, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is found to be related to his service-connected right ankle disability, granting the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees, as well as bilateral shin splints, have been granted compensable disability ratings (10%) effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected conditions do not warrant a higher rating or TDIU based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, claimed as PTSD, was denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not currently have a current diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee lateral patellar tilt was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability or lumbar spine disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right knee disability is not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disorder is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection. The left knee disability issue remains pending as further development was needed.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee condition likely pre-existed service and was not aggravated by active duty, thus denying service connection for this issue. The Board also found no evidence of a lower back condition related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus granting a TDIU.

The Veteran's left knee instability and patellofemoral syndrome ratings were reduced from 20% to 10%, effective May 1, 2015. The reduction was upheld as the evidence showed improvement in her conditions under ordinary conditions of life.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the aggravation of OSA by a service-connected disability, specifically the bilateral deviated nasal septum.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative changes, but denied increased ratings for obstructive sleep apnea and GERD.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis and instability, is rated at 20 percent effective January 7, 2016. The Board also granted TDIU benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hip, knee, and spine disabilities. The claims will be reviewed on a de novo basis.

The Veteran's migraines without aura, with mixed component of tension type headache are assigned a 50 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular rating available for the disability. The Veteran's right knee meniscal injury with chondromalacia patella has been rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for sleep apnea, right knee condition, and hammertoes. The case will be remanded to obtain additional medical records, conduct necessary examinations, and readjudicate the issues.

The Veteran's claims for prostate disorder, stomach ulcers, and skin fungus/rash/cancer are denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran's skin condition was diagnosed during service but not related to it.,PTSD and GERD with gastritis have been granted service connection.