Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's right knee surgery necessitated a temporary total evaluation from January 19, 2010 to March 31, 2010. The Board found that his convalescence continued until September 2010 and granted an extension of the temporary total evaluation from March 31, 2010 to August 31, 2010.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has granted separate ratings of 20 percent and 10 percent for right knee instability and locking, pain, and effusion, respectively. However, the case is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding range of motion throughout the claim period.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee and left ankle disabilities, finding that there is an evenly balanced evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities due to an inadequate examination in August 2017. The Veteran's active service from September 1993 to June 1997 is noted, with a December 1995 service treatment record indicating bilateral patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate VA examinations, specifically regarding functional limitations during flare-ups of left knee and left thigh disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and knee disabilities are remanded due to insufficient evidence. Additional VA examinations will be conducted to assess the current severity of his conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal, leaving no issues to be decided by the Board.

The Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for DJD of the left and right knees have been remanded due to inadequate examination reports. A new examination is required that includes testing for both passive and active motion, as well as non-weight-bearing and weight-bearing conditions.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is granted service connection. The appeals for the left knee, right knee, low back, and GERD are dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a right knee disability, and a kidney disorder have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of PTSD or other mental health conditions related to military service, and there was no chronicity of symptoms since service. For the right knee disability, the Veteran's arthritis was not shown within one year of separation from service, and continuity of symptomatology could not be established. The kidney disorder claim is pending as it has not been addressed in detail.

The Board has denied service connection for a right knee disorder and an initial compensable evaluation for inguinal hernia, finding no current disability or recurrent symptoms.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee conditions are being remanded for further evaluation due to recent reports of increased pain, weakness, swelling, and additional injuries causing falls. A more contemporaneous examination is needed.

The Board has denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability, but has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease due to lack of current evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board has denied an increased rating for lumbar strain and remanded the issues of increased ratings for left heel Achilles tendonitis, right foot Achilles tendonitis, left knee degenerative changes and patellofemoral pain syndrome, and right knee degenerative joint disease due to lack of evidence showing incapacitating episodes or ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for right knee disabilities due to insufficient examination information. The Veteran will need to provide recent treatment records and undergo a VA examination to determine the severity of his conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his low back and left knee disabilities due to a lack of recent VA examination records.

The Veteran's right and left knee chondromalacia are rated at 10 percent each, effective July 6, 2011. The Board found that the Veteran’s subjective complaints of pain, aching, stiffness, instability, and locking in his knees warranted a minimum compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5260. However, no higher ratings were granted as he did not meet the criteria for limitation of motion under Diagnostic Codes 5260 or 5261. The Veteran's stomach disorder, right hand disorder, and headache disorder are remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of his back, neck, bilateral knees, and left upper arm joint due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran needs a VA examination to determine if these conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's hemorrhoids and pseudofolliculitis barbae have not been found to meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,Service connection for a heart disorder, peripheral vascular disease, and an above the knee amputation of the right leg are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.