Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right knee is rated at 10 percent prior to September 5, 2013, and at 20 percent from that date. The Board found the evidence did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee and low back disorders, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to increased ratings for his left knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examination reports regarding flare-ups and functional loss.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease with limitation of motion is rated at 10 percent, and the appeal for a higher rating is denied.,Left knee instability prior to October 27, 2016 was not granted as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and a bilateral eye disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and military service.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and denied initial ratings for bilateral hearing loss, old crush injury of the right thumb, and right thumb scar status post old crush injury. The TDIU claim was also denied prior to April 16, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the left knee and patellofemoral dysfunction with medial meniscal tear have not been characterized by moderate or severe recurrent subluxation, lateral instability, limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or less, or limitation of extension to 15 degrees or more. Therefore, an increased evaluation is denied.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected major depressive disorder.,The Veteran’s lumbar strain disability remains at a 20% rating, with no changes in the current rating period.,The RO improperly reduced the Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome and postoperative lateral meniscectomy ratings. The original ratings of 30% and 10%, respectively, are restored.,The Veteran’s left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is rated at 20% for the period prior to September 25, 2015, and at 70% thereafter due to major depressive disorder (previously characterized as adjustment disorder with mixed mood).,TDIU is remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various disabilities, including cervical spine, lumbar spine, thoracic spine, bilateral hip, left knee, and neuropathy of upper and lower extremities, all secondary to a right knee disability. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lumbosacral disc bulge, bilateral knee trauma, frostbite of the left hand, and frostbite of the right hand due to a lack of imaging evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not preclude substantially gainful employment.

The Board previously denied the claim, but due to an inadequate opinion based on a temporal gap in treatment records, the case is being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, a right ankle disorder, and a bilateral hip disorder. The Board found that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-existing conditions, and that the current disorders did not have an onset within one year of discharge from service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him in need of regular aid and attendance from September 13, 2012, but no earlier. Effective from that date, he is entitled to SMC benefits based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and examination to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's stroke, right knee disorder, and seizures.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, left foot disability, left knee disability, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus as there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service. The Veteran's current disabilities are found to be related to post-service events rather than military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected right knee replacement is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a new examination.

The Board has decided to remand five issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims, including rhinitis with itchy throat and pharyngitis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD), left knee disability, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and bilateral glaucoma.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is rated at a 10 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the claim. The condition does not meet criteria for higher ratings based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for her service-connected chondromalacia, right knee, is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and development of medical records.