Knee decisions — 2018

The Board has denied service connection for left knee chondromalacia patellae due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service. Right knee chondromalacia patellae is remanded for further review.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of May 24, 2013 for the increased rating to 20 percent for service-connected bilateral knee osteoarthritis. This represents a full grant of the benefits sought on appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral knee injuries with degenerative joint disease have not been manifested by ankylosis, limitation of extension, tibia and fibula impairment, or genu recurvatum. Therefore, a higher rating is denied.

The Board has remanded the cases due to outstanding VA treatment records and requests for additional evidence.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of lumbar spine, left hip, bilateral knee and left ankle disabilities. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (claimed as low back pain) has been reopened, but the issue of service connection remains remanded due to the need for additional development. The claims for hip disability and left knee disability are also remanded.

The Veteran's back condition is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.,His initial compensable rating for right knee scars was denied, and the claim is remanded.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis and a meniscal tear with locking and effusion, is rated at 20 percent since January 15, 2016. A separate rating of 10 percent for the meniscal tear is granted. The Veteran also receives a TDIU effective from May 8, 2003.

Your claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records and complete a VA Form 21-4142 for names of physicians who treated you.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current disabilities of the right hip, right leg, right foot, left hip, and right knee did not result from service. The acquired psychiatric disorder is also not related to service.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left and right knees, finding that there was no evidence linking the current diagnoses to service.

The Veteran's bilateral knee braces do not cause wear and tear to his clothing, so he is denied a clothing allowance for the 2014 calendar year.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are granted as service-connected.,Service connection is also granted for left hand surface lump, carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands, and primary vitiligo. However, the issues of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome right hand and left hand, and degenerative arthritis left knee remain pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee tendonitis disability is related to his active duty service and grants this claim.

The Board has expanded the issue to include whether a change in the Veteran's vocational rehabilitation employment goal from marriage & family therapist or related occupation to that of a college professor is warranted. The case will be remanded for an additional functional capacity evaluation and review of the evidence.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for his right and left knee disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of ankylosis or instability warranting higher evaluations.

The Veteran's low back condition is related to in-service back trauma and has been granted service connection.,The Veteran's neck, sleep apnea, arthritis of upper extremities, gastrointestinal condition (hiatal hernia and acid reflux), left knee, right knee, left ankle, hypertension, and skin condition have not yet been determined due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, neurological disabilities of bilateral upper extremities, left hip disability, bilateral knee disability, and left foot disability as there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's right hip condition, left knee osteoarthritis, and right knee osteoarthritis were all denied increased ratings. The fractured right ankle with ankylosis and degenerative joint disease was also denied.,The Veteran’s service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right ankle sprain, lumbar strain, left knee degenerative joint disease, and left hamstring strain. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for a left ankle disability.