Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and is not related to service. The Board has granted a higher initial disability rating of 30 percent for left hand cold injury residuals from May 20, 2013.,The Veteran's right hand and right knee disabilities have been remanded as the VA examiners did not assess additional limitation of function due to flare-ups during their examinations.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of left knee degenerative arthritis and lateral meniscus tear, left knee subluxation, right knee degenerative arthritis and patellofemoral syndrome, right knee meniscal tear, post-operative with instability, bilateral knee arthroplasty scars, and entitlement to a TDIU. The case is being remanded for the following actions: obtaining outstanding VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and addressing the issues on appeal.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of left knee degenerative arthritis and lateral meniscus tear, left knee subluxation, right knee degenerative arthritis and patellofemoral syndrome, right knee meniscal tear, post-operative with instability, bilateral knee arthroplasty scars, and entitlement to a TDIU. The case is being remanded for the following actions: obtaining outstanding VA treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and addressing any denial of claims.

The Veteran's left shoulder degenerative joint disease with impingement syndrome is rated at 10 percent and denied for a higher rating.,Service connection for low back pain is denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to service.,Service connection for bilateral knee pain is denied due to lack of evidence connecting the condition to service.,Service connection for tinnitus is denied because it was not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examination for assessing the severity of the Veteran's knee disabilities, specifically left and right knee osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patella.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC based on anatomical loss of both legs at a level or with complications preventing natural knee action with prosthesis in place, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that this condition existed prior to January 6, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee disabilities and a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disorders have been dismissed. The Veteran withdrew these claims in February 2018, and the Board finds that he did so with full understanding of the consequences.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of flexion limited to 30 degrees or less or extension limited to 15 degrees or more, even with consideration of pain and other functional impairment. Therefore, a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of flexion limited to 30 degrees or less or extension limited to 15 degrees or more, even with consideration of pain and other functional impairment. Therefore, a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of ankylosis, recurrent subluxation, lateral instability, dislocated semilunar cartilage or removal of the semilunar cartilage. Therefore, a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, bilateral knee disorders, and initial compensable rating for ureterolithiasis (kidney stones) due to incomplete development. The Veteran must provide private treatment records from 2014 onward related to his conditions, and he must be afforded VA examinations with imaging studies.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for a right knee disability and low testosterone and infertility due to the cancellation of scheduled VA examinations. Further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

Service connection is granted for bilateral knee arthritis, low back disorder, left lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, cervical spine degenerative disc and joint disease, cervical radiculopathy (right upper and left upper extremities), acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder), and erectile dysfunction as secondary to service-connected right knee disabilities.,Service connection is granted for osteoporosis, deviated nasal septum, rhinitis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), left lower extremity patellar dysfunction, right tibia-fibula fracture residuals, right foot pes cavus deformity, right iliac crest, right lateral lower knee, and right medial knee scar, total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU), and service connection is remanded for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of a left knee condition and increased ratings for right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including a right arm, back, left knee, and right knee condition. The Veteran's claims were based on direct evidence rather than presumptive exposure or other theories.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, qualifying for special monthly compensation at the higher rate. He also qualifies for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his significant service-connected disability affecting both lower extremities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left leg disabilities, including knee disabilities. The Veteran underwent VA examinations but further examination is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed knee disabilities.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for DJD of the left knee and lumbar spondylosis with facet arthropathy, finding that the earliest possible dates were November 29, 2003 (for lumbar spondylosis) and July 18, 2005 (for DJD).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating increases due to the need for further development of medical records, including those from health care providers who have treated the appellant's varicose veins. The examiner is requested to determine whether the appellant’s bilateral hip replacements are proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete procedures and will address all issues once a Statement of the Case is issued.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination. The issues include increased disability ratings for left and right knee disabilities, a right shoulder disability, and right shoulder scarring.

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