Knee decisions — 2018

The Board denied service connection for cherubism with secondary problems of the jaw and left knee degenerative changes, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthrosis with chondromalacia of patella is not manifested by limitation of extension to 20 degrees or limitation of flexion to 45 degrees, and his lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, hypertension, and coronary artery disease (to include as secondary to hypertension).,Service connection was not granted for any of the conditions due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between the current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to provide an additional VA examination and obtain outstanding medical evidence. The issue of entitlement to TDIU is also on appeal, as part and parcel of the increased rating claim.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including degenerative joint disease and chronic quadriceps muscle strain, has not met the criteria for a higher rating since June 15, 2012.,Since December 29, 2015, his service-connected severe muscle injury of the left quadriceps has also not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including a meniscal disorder, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to May 7, 2015. The Board found that his symptoms were limited and did not warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's CAD rating was restored from October 1, 2010 to March 16, 2012. SMC based on housebound criteria was also restored.

The Veteran's left leg scar associated with the open reduction and internal fixation of his left femur fracture is rated at 10 percent since June 11, 2013. The Veteran's left hip disorder and left knee degenerative joint disease are both currently rated as 30 and 10 percent disabling respectively.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back and right knee disabilities are not service-connected as they did not manifest during or within one year after his military service, and there is no evidence of a direct relationship to his service-connected bilateral foot cold hypersensitivity residuals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including additional VA examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected right hand disability and post-fracture left femur with associated scars and knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for sleep apnea, respiratory disability (sinusitis, asthma), and left knee disability. The appeal is REMANDED to obtain additional medical records and schedule VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues raised in a Joint Motion for Remand (JMR). The Veteran is required to provide records of his 1969 left knee surgery and any related hospitalization, and VA must make efforts to obtain these records. A new VA examination of the Veteran's TBI residuals is also needed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for costochondritis, a bilateral eye disability, and residuals of gall bladder removal. The claim for right knee disability is also denied as secondary to service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis, instability, and meniscal tear, has been rated at 10 percent since January 18, 2006. A separate rating of 10 percent for instability is granted from September 27, 2008, and a separate rating of 20 percent for the meniscal tear is granted from January 18, 2006. The Veteran's right knee disability has also been rated at 100 percent since August 16, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found no evidence of hearing loss, foot disability other than flat feet, or a current foot disability other than flat feet. Service connection was not granted for PTSD, diabetes mellitus, vision loss, laxity of the right knee, or recurrent low back pain with history of muscle strain.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal through his authorized representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining medical records.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted due to his service-connected disabilities, which render him unemployable.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for low back and right knee disabilities, but further development is needed to consider additional evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee is granted, and he is awarded a compensable rating for his hemorrhoids with anal fissures.