Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee conditions are being remanded for further evaluation due to recent reports of increased pain, weakness, swelling, and additional injuries causing falls. A more contemporaneous examination is needed.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability, but has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease due to lack of current evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board has denied an increased rating for lumbar strain and remanded the issues of increased ratings for left heel Achilles tendonitis, right foot Achilles tendonitis, left knee degenerative changes and patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right knee degenerative joint disease due to lack of evidence showing incapacitating episodes or ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for right knee disabilities due to insufficient examination information. The Veteran will need to provide recent treatment records and undergo a VA examination to determine the severity of his conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his low back and left knee disabilities due to a lack of recent VA examination records.

The Veteran's right and left knee chondromalacia are rated at 10 percent each, effective July 6, 2011. The Board found that the Veteran’s subjective complaints of pain, aching, stiffness, instability, and locking in his knees warranted a minimum compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5260. However, no higher ratings were granted as he did not meet the criteria for limitation of motion under Diagnostic Codes 5260 or 5261. The Veteran's stomach disorder, right hand disorder, and headache disorder are remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of his back, neck, bilateral knees, and left upper arm joint due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids and pseudofolliculitis barbae have not been found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for a heart disorder, peripheral vascular disease, and an above the knee amputation of the right leg are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Veteran's low back strain and right knee degenerative joint disease have been granted initial disability ratings of 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent for the entire appeal period. The Veteran's limitation of extension of her right knee has also been granted an increased rating to 30 percent from November 11, 2014, and 20 percent from September 29, 2015. However, the Veteran's limitation of flexion of her right knee remains at a noncompensable level.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were dismissed as she withdrew her appeal in writing prior to the Board decision.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae is denied.,Service connection and increased ratings for degenerative arthritis lumbar spine, left knee degenerative arthritis, right knee degenerative arthritis, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder strain are all denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, bilateral hearing loss, and major depressive disorder. Service connection is denied for prostate cancer.

The Veteran's right and left knee chondromalacia patella with osteoarthritis are each rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260 (flexion) and 5261 (extension). The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of limitation of motion to 45 degrees or more in either knee.

The Board has remanded the claim for a new VA examination to consider the Veteran's reports of painful motion and flare-ups, and to update the claims file with any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's left knee chondromalacia, right knee disability, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated at the lowest possible level (10%) due to limited range of motion. The Board has found that further evaluation is needed as there may be additional factors contributing to his symptoms.

The Veteran's right knee and hip disabilities have been rated, but the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to resolve some of his claims. The initial ratings for his knee and hip disabilities are granted, while his TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to limited range of motion and pain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected lower back and right knee disabilities due to incomplete development, including missing VA examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection of osteoarthritis of bilateral knee and has determined that this condition is related to his active service.