Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left ankle and knee conditions have been rated based on their current manifestations. The left ankle is currently rated at 10 percent since May 30, 2003, and increased to 20 percent as of February 4, 2016. The left knee has a history of ratings from 10 to 20 percent based on the severity of arthritis and instability. Service connection for left foot arthritis is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability and arthritis of knees and ankles are secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. However, there is no evidence of left ankle arthritis during or within one year after separation from service.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder, knee (pre-arthroplasty), hip, and foot heel spur conditions have been granted initial disability ratings of 20 percent from January 1, 2008 to October 17, 2014. The ankle tendonitis has been granted initial disability ratings of 20 percent from January 1, 2008 to October 17, 2014 and 30 percent from October 17, 2014. The lumbar spine degenerative arthritis has been granted a noncompensable rating from January 1, 2008 to March 6, 2017, and a 20 percent rating from March 6, 2017.

The Veteran's left knee disability is aggravated by his service-connected right ankle and right knee disabilities. The Board finds that the evidence of record supports this finding, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.,The Veteran's low back arthritis is also found to be aggravated by his service-connected right ankle and right knee disabilities. The Board finds that the evidence of record supports this finding, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her service-connected bilateral knee disabilities due to inadequate November 2015 VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to an inadequate opinion in the May 2013 VA examination.

The Veteran's hypertension is proximately due to his service-connected PTSD with major depression, and the Board finds service connection for hypertension is warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's current bilateral chondromalacia patella is considered to be etiologically related to service, and the Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA and private treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current right knee disabilities are related to his military service. The case will be returned for further review.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, as well as any diagnosed sensory neuropathy affecting the lower extremities. The case will be returned to the Board for further action.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent and his low back disability is rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that neither condition warrants a higher rating.,There is no evidence of ankylosis, recurrent subluxation or lateral instability in the left knee, nor are there limitations of flexion or extension meeting separate ratings under DCs 5260 and 5261.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral knee disabilities and assigned a 60% rating effective December 30, 2004. The RO subsequently implemented this decision by assigning the appropriate ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing with a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his right knee disability. The case will be returned to the Board after this development.

The Board has decided that the case needs additional development and is therefore remanding it for further action.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disability, secondary to his service-connected right knee condition. The Veteran's current left knee disability is found to be related to his service-connected right knee condition.,Service connection is granted for the Veteran's back and neck disabilities as they are also found to be related to his service-connected right knee condition.

The Veteran's bilateral knee, back, and right elbow disabilities are found to be related to his active service. The Veteran's chronic fatigue syndrome is not a separate condition but rather symptoms of his service-connected asthma.

The Board found that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for a right knee disorder, as there is no evidence of arthritis or meniscus tear during active duty and any current conditions are more likely due to natural progression of age-related degenerative changes.