Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right knee DJD with osteoarthritis was rated as 10 percent disabling prior to April 5, 2011. He is now entitled to a separate evaluation for painful motion of the right knee and his total right knee arthroplasty has been rated at 30 percent since June 1, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case to the AOJ for additional development, including referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration of a TDIU on an extraschedular basis due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a deviated septum has been denied as there is no current evidence of this condition during the appeal period.,For his bilateral knee disabilities, the Veteran's claims have not yet been fully adjudicated and require further development.

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids is denied as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for large or thrombotic hemorrhoids that are irreducible, characterized by excessive redundant tissue, and recurring frequently.,For the period prior to December 29, 2015, the Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 10 percent. From May 13, 2015 to January 31, 2016, he received a temporary total rating due to convalescence following surgery. After February 1, 2016, his disability is rated as noncompensable for limitation of extension.,The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 10 percent prior to December 29, 2015. From May 13, 2015 to January 31, 2016, he received a temporary total rating due to convalescence following surgery. After February 1, 2016, his disability is rated as noncompensable for limitation of extension.,The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 10 percent prior to December 29, 2015. From May 13, 2015 to January 31, 2016, he received a temporary total rating due to convalescence following surgery. After February 1, 2016, his disability is rated as noncompensable for limitation of extension.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for her left knee disability has been denied. The evidence does not support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of her condition.

The Veteran's right and left knee DJD were found to not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, with the exception of slight instability in the left knee which warranted a separate 10 percent rating from July 24, 2017.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 30 percent, effective August 25, 2010. A separate rating of 10 percent for left knee instability from November 17, 2016 has been granted. The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DDD of the lumbar spine and DJD of the left knee have been denied. The Board found that the current disability ratings adequately reflect the severity of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right or left knee condition that is service-connected, nor does he have eczema that can be linked to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disability is not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lower back, left knee, and right knee disabilities have been denied. The VA has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the appellant's current knee, back, and shoulder disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is productive of painful flexion and frequent episodes of 'locking' pain, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating or a separate 20 percent rating for dislocation of cartilage semilunar with frequent episodes of 'locking' pain and effusion into the joint.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral foot disability, low back disability, right hip and knee disabilities, have rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation from March 8, 2006 to September 23, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his left shoulder disability and bilateral knee disabilities, likely render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board grants the TDIU claim.

The Veteran's disability rating for residuals of a left total knee replacement has been increased to 60 percent and no higher since September 1, 2015.

The Veteran's right knee disorder and lumbar spine disability have been granted service connection, with the right knee disorder being secondary to his lumbar spine disability. The initial rating for his lumbar spondylosis has been increased to 20 percent prior to January 19, 2012, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for a hearing, and the Board received notification of this withdrawal prior to any decision being made.

The Veteran's service connection claim for left knee osteoarthritis is granted as the evidence supports an in-service injury and current disability, with continuity of symptoms since separation from service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is related to an injury during active service and grants service connection for this condition. The issue of a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability remains pending.