Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected DJD of the right knee is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee disability and therefore, service connection cannot be granted.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the threshold criteria for entitlement to a TDIU under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(a) and it is not factually ascertainable that he was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right elbow strain and chronic knee strains have been rated appropriately, with the exception of a separate rating for slight recurrent subluxation or lateral instability of the right knee.,His spastic colitis has also been rated appropriately.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability, bilateral cataracts, and acquired psychiatric disability are service-connected. The Board also found no evidence of peripheral vascular disease, diabetic cystopathy, or gastroparesis.

The Veteran's appeals for an increased rating for his right knee condition and service connection for sciatic nerve pain and a lumbar spine disability have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew these issues in his March 2017 Board testimony. The claim of service connection for a lumbar spine disability was denied due to lack of evidence showing it is related to active duty.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine, right knee, and prostate disabilities. The Veteran's claims were not supported by current medical evidence or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the current severity of his PTSD and the etiology of his bilateral knee condition. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim for service connection of a right knee condition as secondary to left knee arthritis. The Veteran is scheduled for an examination to determine if his current right knee disability is related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's sleep apnea and bilateral knee tricompartmental osteoarthritis are related to his military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as her left knee condition has been characterized by pain and mild degenerative joint disease, with ankylosis of the left knee not shown. The current rating for 10 percent is maintained.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including a VA examination of the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Veteran's residuals of traumatic brain injury are found to be service-connected, including significant problems remembering visual images in short term memory. Service connection is also granted for bilateral flat feet and a left knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee and right knee disorders did not begin in, nor were aggravated by, his active service. The fifth finger left hand disorder was also found to be unrelated to his military service.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been rated at 10 percent each, effective from the date of the claim. The ratings are for limitation of flexion in both knees.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral shoulder bursitis, hip condition, left knee bursitis, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine have all been granted.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current lumbar spine, left hip bursitis, and bilateral knee disorders are related to his active service. The VA examiner found no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his service.

The Veteran's bruxism is found to be related to service, warranting service connection.,There is no current evidence of a left knee disability. The claim for this issue is denied.,The Veteran does not have a compensable rating for his right hip disability as the flexion limitation does not exceed 45 degrees.,The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been rated based on limitation of motion, and he does not meet criteria for higher ratings under DC 5201.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder is related to his military service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability warranted a rating of 20 percent under DC 5258 for dislocated cartilage, and a 10 percent rating under DC 5257 for slight lateral instability. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated as noncompensable throughout the claim period.