Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of residuals of a right knee injury and fatigue due to an undiagnosed illness.

The Board has remanded two issues related to the Veteran's service-connected left knee injury. The first issue is an increased evaluation for residuals of left knee injury, currently rated at 30 percent. The second issue is a request for an initial increase in disability rating for limitation of extension of the left knee prior to October 16, 2017, and 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's laceration and tendon injury of the index and middle fingers, right (major) hand is not rated higher than 10 percent prior to March 7, 2018, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter.,The Veteran's spondylolisthesis of the lumbosacral spine does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent.,The Veteran's left knee injury is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for additional examinations and development of records. The Veteran's claims include service connection for a back disability as secondary to his left knee disability, and rating issues for his right and left knees.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including adjustment disorder with anxiety. The Veteran is entitled to new VA examinations to determine if his current conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability is reopened. The Board finds that the evidence received since the January 2010 rating decision is new and material, thus reopening the claim. However, the issues regarding the rating for left knee disability and PTSD are still pending as they require further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA examination reports and medical records to assess the Veteran's left knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right knee disability, bilateral hip disability, altered gait (left leg being shorter than right leg), bilateral polyneuropathy of the lower extremities, atrophy of the left thigh and calf with weakness, and venous embolism. The Board found that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis is currently rated as noncompensable prior to November 17, 2014 and at a 30 percent rating from January 1, 2016. The appeal period for these ratings ends on the date of his increased rating claim.,The Veteran's low back disability is not yet rated under any specific diagnostic code. His status post gall bladder removal has been rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, including back pain, radiculopathy, and knee strain.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if any of the service-connected disabilities are related to military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are granted as service connected. The left knee strain with tenosynovitis is denied due to lack of a compensable rating.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, right hip disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The claim of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder was also denied.,Service connection could not be established as the Veteran did not have a current disability that began during or was related to his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities. The decision is pending further development as a VA examination will be scheduled.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of motion at any time during the claims period, and that he does not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on subluxation or other conditions.

The Veteran's left knee condition, left inguinal hernia, and left varicocele are all service-connected. The left knee is rated at 10 percent for painful motion with functional loss, the left inguinal hernia is rated at 10 percent, and the left varicocele has no compensable rating.

The Veteran's low back disability, left knee disability, and headaches have been granted service connection.,Service connection for the Veteran’s low back disability is established based on evidence showing a relationship between his active duty service and his current condition. The same applies to his left knee disability and headaches.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that the Veteran's arthritis did not manifest within one year of his separation from service and there is no probative evidence linking his current condition to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, but evidence indicates they prevent employment. The case is remanded to determine if an extraschedular rating is warranted.