Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran also received a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine, right knee, and right ankle disabilities are at least as likely as not related to his in-service helicopter crash. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board has granted an extension of a temporary total evaluation for convalescence due to surgery related to the service-connected right knee disability from May 25, 2012 to November 30, 2013. The Veteran's need for convalescence was established by his medical records and testimony.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional evaluations due to the lack of compliance with Correia and Sharp requirements.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and a need for further examination. The Veteran's knee disabilities are being reviewed again as they may be related to his service.

The Veteran's request for an increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for right knee degenerative joint disease status post right knee replacement is pending. The Board has remanded the case to obtain updated VA treatment records from May 2017 to the present at the Hampton VAMC, including any emergency treatment received and x-ray reports for the left knee.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, asthma, and left knee pain. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s knee pain.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for frostbite of the feet was denied. The claims for left knee disorder and right ear hearing loss were granted.

The Board denied service connection for left knee, right knee, and lumbosacral spine disabilities. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his active service.,Service connection was also denied for arthritis of the left knee due to lack of evidence showing a diagnosis within one year post-service.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, but the other issues remain pending and will be remanded.

The Board has determined that additional records are needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's knee disabilities and remands the claims for increased ratings, special monthly compensation, and need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for right and left knee disabilities remain at 10 percent each, as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or arthritis.

The Veteran's right knee internal derangement with chondromalacia patella and patellofemoral arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5260 (limitation of flexion).,The Veteran's left knee tibial tubercle fragmentation, ACL tear, and Osgood-Schlatter disease is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show severe lateral instability or recurrent subluxation.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis of the right knee due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any incident therein. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine as secondary to service-connected knee disabilities. The Veteran's other claims are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the bilateral knees due to lack of evidence showing a compensable degree of disability within the presumptive period or continuity of symptomatology. The stomach pain claim is remanded as the Veteran did not report for a VA examination and there are no updated treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee and lower leg pain, as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus. The VA will provide addendum opinions addressing whether these conditions are caused by or aggravated by his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded issues regarding increased ratings for the Veteran's right thumb and left knee disabilities, finding that additional evidence is needed to determine if higher ratings are warranted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper consideration of the Veteran's death and its potential connection to his service-connected conditions.