Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected right knee DJD is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling, and he is entitled to a separate 20 percent evaluation for right knee instability. The criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent under DCs 5260 and 5261 are not shown to have been met.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were granted, with a noncompensable rating assigned for right knee chondromalacia and a 10 percent rating assigned for plantar fasciitis (left foot).

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, specifically his left knee post-traumatic arthritis and right knee instability, are rated at 30 percent for limitation of extension due to arthritis. The issue of increased rating for right knee instability is granted.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated as noncompensable prior to February 7, 2017 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter. The Veteran's left ankle disorder was not found to be service-connected.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding whether the Veteran's preexisting right knee disability was aggravated in service beyond its natural progression.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and an acquired psychiatric disorder, including cognitive disorder, organic anxiety disorder, and dementia. The decision also addressed other issues such as tinnitus ratings.,Service connection was not granted for either condition.

The Board has found that further development is needed for VA to fulfill its duties under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The Veteran's claim will be remanded for obtaining relevant records from SSA, VA, and private providers.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is currently rated at 50 percent from October 21, 2014. The appeal for a higher rating remains pending.

The Veteran's rectum condition and stomach condition were denied service connection as they did not have onset during active service or were not caused by active service. The right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee conditions were also denied service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthritis and chronic right shoulder strain, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active duty service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and clarification of the etiology of the Veteran's left knee disability, including whether it is related to service or aggravated by a pre-existing right knee condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right and left knee degenerative joint diseases were denied as the evidence did not show that the disabilities warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to February 25, 2014, and March 5, 2013 respectively.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's PTSD, right knee disorder (arthritis), prostate condition, and sarcoidosis are related to service. The Veteran's psychiatric disorder is presumed due to his military service in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. The right knee disorder, prostate condition, and sarcoidosis were not present until after service.

The August 2006 rating decision denied service connection for neck, right finger, and right knee conditions. The Veteran did not appeal these decisions within one year or submit new and material evidence to reopen the claims.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and providing a VA examination to assess the Veteran's functional impairment due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a new VA examination and consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his knee injury during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized as chondromalacia and meniscus tear, is found to be secondary to his service-connected left knee condition. The Board has granted a rating of 10% for the Veteran's right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right knee disability that is related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for his service-connected postoperative, reconstructive surgery patellofemoral disease with scars, right knee. He contends that the symptoms associated with this condition have worsened since a previous VA examination in October 2015.