Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's low back strain and right knee degenerative joint disease have been granted initial disability ratings of 10 percent, 20 percent, and 30 percent for the entire appeal period. The Veteran's limitation of extension of her right knee has also been granted an increased rating to 30 percent from November 11, 2014, and 20 percent from September 29, 2015. However, the Veteran's limitation of flexion of her right knee remains at a noncompensable level.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were dismissed as she withdrew her appeal in writing prior to the Board decision.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae is denied.,Service connection and increased ratings for degenerative arthritis lumbar spine, left knee degenerative arthritis, right knee degenerative arthritis, left shoulder disability, and right shoulder strain are all denied.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, bilateral hearing loss, and major depressive disorder. Service connection is denied for prostate cancer.

The Veteran's right and left knee chondromalacia patella with osteoarthritis are each rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260 (flexion) and 5261 (extension). The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of limitation of motion to 45 degrees or more in either knee.

The Board has remanded the claim for a new VA examination to consider the Veteran's reports of painful motion and flare-ups, and to update the claims file with any outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's left knee chondromalacia, right knee disability, and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated at the lowest possible level (10%) due to limited range of motion. The Board has found that further evaluation is needed as there may be additional factors contributing to his symptoms.

The Veteran's right knee and hip disabilities have been rated, but the Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to resolve some of his claims. The initial ratings for his knee and hip disabilities are granted, while his TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to limited range of motion and pain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected lower back and right knee disabilities due to incomplete development, including missing VA examinations.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection of osteoarthritis of bilateral knee and has determined that this condition is related to his active service.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee condition, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension have been reopened. The evidence now supports the possibility that these conditions may be related to his military service.

The Veteran's bilateral leg disorder and left knee injury are granted service connection as secondary to his service-connected lumbar strain. The left knee disability is rated at 10%.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The claims of service connection for bilateral wrist, hand, knee, and ankle disorders are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions. The claim for service connection for a sinus disorder characterized by nosebleeds is remanded with consideration of exposure to dust storms and burn pits. The claim for service connection for bilateral peripheral neuropathy of lower extremities is remanded with consideration of in-service treatment records.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for sinusitis, right wrist disability, bilateral knee disability, and sleep apnea. The claim of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability is remanded.

The Board denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) because the Veteran's right knee disability did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected right total knee arthroplasty is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that his condition does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating as there are no chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and DJD, and right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and DJD. Service connection was denied for bilateral myopia, hypercholesterolemia, and residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

The Veteran's knee braces, which are fabric-covered and do not have exposed metal hinges, were denied an annual clothing allowance in 2014 because they do not tend to wear or tear the veteran’s clothing.