Knee decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder, and increased ratings for seborrheic dermatitis of the face, neck, and scalp, and superficial acne of the chest, upper back, and shoulder. The Board found that there was no evidence to support the Veteran's claim for service connection based on his in-service knee injury, and denied both skin disability claims as well.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for sleep apnea and hypertension, as well as increased ratings for other conditions. Additional development is needed to obtain complete STRs and SPRs, conduct a VA examination, and provide the Veteran with an SOC.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, a chipped tooth, thyroid disorder, right knee disorder, left wrist ganglion cyst, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, and TMJ. The appeals are now pending before the Board.

The Veteran's appeal involves the propriety of the disability ratings for his right knee laxity and degenerative joint disease. The case is being remanded to obtain additional development, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination for his right knee disability and an adequate medical opinion regarding his bilateral hearing loss. The issues of increased ratings for tinnitus and service connection for bilateral hearing loss are also being remanded.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right knee condition prior to September 26, 2017 was granted. He is now rated at 60 percent from June 1, 2017 to September 25, 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, and therefore, the claims are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral knee, and bilateral hip disabilities have been found to meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU since November 12, 2009. The remaining issues of increased ratings are addressed in the remand section.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest possible schedular rating of 70 percent, effective August 7, 2012. The Veteran also meets the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including an updated VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral knee conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a left knee disorder was dismissed due to withdrawal. The claim of higher initial rating for the right knee disability is denied, and a separate 10% rating is granted effective December 6, 2013, for removal of semilunar cartilage in the right knee with symptoms.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability and remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records from SSA and providing VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, reflecting occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,The Veteran's right knee condition is currently rated at 10 percent, limited to flexion of 120 degrees with pain onset at 80 degrees. There is no limitation on extension.,Prior to June 24, 2014, the Veteran's left ankle condition was rated at 10 percent for moderate limitation of motion. Since then, it has been rated at 20 percent due to marked limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and right ankle disorder.,Service connection was granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD and depression) as it is at least as likely as not related to active duty service. The bilateral knee disorder is also found to be related to active duty service. However, the right ankle disorder is not shown to be related to active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the Board finds that his post-operative arthroscopy, left knee scar does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for further development, including obtaining records of his September 2013 knee surgery and updated VA treatment records. A new examination will also be scheduled to assess the current severity of his degenerative arthritis in the right knee.

The Veteran is granted two (2) clothing allowances for the 2015 benefit year due to his service-connected left knee and right ankle disabilities, which cause wear and tear on his pants and socks respectively.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee and ankle disabilities are being reviewed to determine if they necessitate the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status, which would entitle him to special monthly compensation.