Knee decisions — 2017

The Veteran's dermatitis was granted a 30 percent evaluation effective July 10, 2017. His ACL insufficiency and traumatic degenerative arthritis of the left knee were both rated at 20 percent prior to July 10, 2017, and increased to 30 percent thereafter.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and any SSA disability benefits records. The Veteran will be notified of these actions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for headaches, left knee injuries, and other conditions have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to initial compensable disability ratings for his right elbow, left foot gout, and plantar fasciitis.

The Veteran's disability ratings were reduced from 40 percent to 10 percent for lumbosacral paravertebral myositis, effective June 1, 2011. The reduction was found to be proper as there had been no actual improvement in the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anemia and bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a medical examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and determining Social Security Administration disability benefits.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and the obtaining of treatment records.

The Board dismissed all pending appeals due to the appellant's withdrawal of her appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including new examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected cervical spine and bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding that the current diagnoses of chondromalacia patella did not meet the criteria for service connection due to lack of service treatment records.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disabilities, including whether they are secondary to her service-connected right knee disability. The case will be remanded to obtain an addendum opinion from the August 2015 VA examiner or another appropriate physician.

The Board has found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for a back disorder. The Veteran's current back exam was normal, and there is no medical evidence showing he had a back disability at any time during the pendency of the claim.

The case is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated treatment records and providing a VA examination to assess the Veteran's ability to work due to his service-connected disabilities. The AOJ will also consider private treatment records and other evidence.

The Board found that a current bilateral knee disability is not related to service and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are related to his military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his service-connected right femur fracture and left ankle fractures are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations, the need for additional development of records, and the requirement for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including instability and scars, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found no basis for a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU benefits are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requests an addendum opinion regarding secondary service connection.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus and an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the left knee. The Veteran's pre-existing pes planus was not aggravated by active duty, as there is no evidence that it worsened during service. For his left knee disability, the VA examiner found no aggravation due to service.