Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right shoulder arthroscopic reconstruction with residuals is rated at 20 percent since February 6, 2015. Service connection for adhesive capsulitis, instability, low back condition, and arthralgia, right hip are all denied. However, service connection was granted for right knee patella tendonitis.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to a request for withdrawal of the appeal.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected left wrist status post fracture, lumbar spondylosis, levoscoliosis and discogenic disease, right knee lateral tibial plateau, and tinea versicolor.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee medial meniscectomy with muscular atrophy and mediolateral instability, as well as left knee osteoarthritis prior to November 16, 2010, were denied. The Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disorder, neck disorder, and left-knee strain due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder rotator cuff disease, degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome. A rating of 20 percent is assigned for left ankle tendon injury and fracture with internal fixation.

The Veteran's back disability and PN of the bilateral lower extremities are related to his service, specifically jumping from helicopters in Vietnam. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.,The Veteran's right leg condition (right knee strain) is not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The right knee and lumbar strain claims are remanded as additional medical opinions are needed to determine if there is clear and unmistakable evidence of aggravation or etiology.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee and ankle disabilities due to a lack of current diagnosis, as well as potential environmental exposures. The Veteran will need to be examined by VA to determine if his joint pain is related to service.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain a VA examination for sleep apnea and to determine if it is related to service. The other issues of service connection remain under review.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is granted service connection.,A rating of 20 percent for chondromalacia patella of the left knee based on lateral instability and/or subluxation is granted prior to July 14, 2008, and as of November 1, 2008. An initial rating in excess of 10 percent for arthritis of the left knee based on limitation of motion is denied prior to April 27, 2016, and a separate rating of 20 percent for a left meniscal disorder is granted as of November 1, 2008.,The Veteran's PID claim was referred but not adjudicated. The maximum schedular rating for bilateral flatfeet has been assigned.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 20 percent, but an increased rating to 30 percent for limitation of extension is granted.,The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and an increased rating to 20 percent for limitation of extension is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a right knee disability and has determined that he is entitled to service connection for this condition. The evidence shows that the Veteran had an in-service injury, developed symptoms over time, and now suffers from osteoarthritis of the right knee.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 30 percent, but no higher, for left knee chondromalacia with degenerative arthritis is granted. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating due to the presence of flare-ups during which he cannot use his knee at all.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of service treatment records and lack of a formal finding regarding whether the Veteran was placed on extended light duty during his period of service. The case is now pending for further review.

The Board has remanded the cases for clarification on whether the appellant's National Guard service was federal or state-controlled, and to determine if any additional development is needed.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew all issues on appeal in June 2018 and July 2018.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary and the appeal is, therefore, REMANDED. The Veteran's low back disability and right knee disability are both remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to insufficient evidence regarding their etiology. The VA is instructed to obtain all pertinent records, conduct additional examinations, and provide new opinions.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck condition due to new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the neck condition, as well as the propriety of reducing the ratings for his bilateral knee conditions.