Knee decisions — 2018

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected right knee injury, finding that the evidence did not support such an increase.

The Veteran's service-connected papillary necrosis is not manifested by albumin constant or recurring with hyaline and granular casts, or red blood cells; nor transient or slight edema or hypertension at least 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 7101. Therefore, a compensable evaluation for the condition is denied.,The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated as 20 percent due to dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of 'locking' pain and effusion into the joint. The Veteran does not require a period of convalescence, nor did he experience severe postoperative residuals or immobilization following his January 2011 right knee arthroscopic surgery.

The Veteran's immediate cause of death was hypertensive and atherosclerotic heart disease. The Board found that the service-connected conditions did not contribute to his death, and there were no pending claims for accrued benefits at the time of his death.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate medical opinions and requests for updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected mood disorder with depressed features, chondromalacia patella of the right knee, and other conditions have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has decided to remand the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed left knee and right foot disabilities. The claims will be reviewed again with additional information and a more detailed examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, TDIU, psychiatric disorder (anxiety disorder and PTSD), stomach disorder (GERD and hiatal hernia), bilateral knee disorder, and bilateral hip disorder due to failure of the Veteran to report for scheduled VA examinations. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for evaluations of his left knee, right knee, and left hand gunshot wound disabilities due to a lack of recent VA examinations. The Veteran needs new examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease is rated at 10 percent, and the VA examiner found that a higher rating requires additional information regarding flare-ups and functional loss.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's right knee disability, including a lack of medical records from his incarceration and updated VA treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his left shoulder strain, left ankle strain, and dermatitis of the chest and upper back due to incomplete examinations and outstanding SSA records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and left knee condition due to incomplete service treatment records. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine if his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left elbow, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to a lack of current disability evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination and evaluation of the Veteran's fibromyalgia, left knee disability, right knee disability, back disability, and bladder disability due to evidence indicating worsening since previous examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his right knee condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome. The Veteran is also being asked for a new examination to determine the severity of his lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for a retrospective examination to address the current and past severity of the Veteran's right knee disability status post total knee replacement, from the time of his knee replacement in 2009 up to the present. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on the level of impairment during flare-ups and its impact on work capacity.

The Veteran's claim for service connection has been reopened and granted. The Board found new and material evidence to support the reopening of his claims for left knee, right shoulder, left shoulder, rib contusion, bilateral foot disorder (other than skin disorder), and acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and effective dates is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records. The issues of TDIU are also inextricably intertwined with the rating claims.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis has worsened, and a new VA examination is needed to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Veteran's thoracic spine strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds a 20 percent rating is warranted.,The Veteran’s right elbow lateral epicondylitis warrants an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.,The effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus must be earlier than December 17, 2007.,The Veteran's diabetic nephropathy requires a higher initial rating.,The Veteran’s coronary artery disease with bypass graft warrants an initial rating in excess of 30 percent.,The effective date for service connection of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy must be earlier than March 25, 2010.,The Veteran's hypertension requires a higher initial compensable rating.