Knee decisions — 2017

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee arthritis and left patella recurrent dislocation, as well as his service connection claims for hypertension and a kidney condition.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, effective June 6, 2016. The appeal was granted for this rating.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU rating for the entire appellate period.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee strain has not been manifested by at least flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, extension limited by 15 degrees or more, ankylosis, dislocated semilunar cartilage, or impairment of tibia and fibula. Prior to December 2, 2010, the Veteran's service-connected left knee strain manifested as credible subjective complaints of instability.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, characterized as degenerative joint disease of the right knee and postoperative residuals of arthroscopic surgery. The condition is manifested by frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability and right knee disability are related to her period of active service, thus granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus denying his claim for a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, and diabetes mellitus due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right knee disability, post-total knee replacement, is currently rated at 30 percent and the Board has denied a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to insufficient medical opinions and failure to address relevant history of injury to the feet.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right knee patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis were denied as the evidence did not show that the conditions warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims of service connection for knee, hand, and shoulder disabilities. The case is being remanded to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current knee disability and to diagnose any current bilateral shoulder or hand disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain medical opinions and treatment records, including those from Kaiser Permanente.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding records. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between service and hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and assessments, particularly regarding his claimed low back disability, neck disability, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The asthma claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for TMJ dysfunction, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including depression, anxiety, and a mood disorder), residuals of TBI, left hip disability, left knee disability, low back disability, and increased rating for service-connected left foot disability have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining private and VA medical records, scheduling a VA examination of the right knee, and obtaining a VA opinion regarding service connection for right inguinal hernia.