Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's right knee arthritis is currently rated as noncompensable prior to November 17, 2014 and at a 30 percent rating from January 1, 2016. The appeal period for these ratings ends on the date of his increased rating claim.,The Veteran's low back disability is not yet rated under any specific diagnostic code. His status post gall bladder removal has been rated as noncompensable.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, including back pain, radiculopathy, and knee strain.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if any of the service-connected disabilities are related to military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are granted as service connected. The left knee strain with tenosynovitis is denied due to lack of a compensable rating.

The Board denied service connection for cervical spine disability, right hip disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The claim of service connection for acquired psychiatric disorder was also denied.,Service connection could not be established as the Veteran did not have a current disability that began during or was related to his military service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities. The decision is pending further development as a VA examination will be scheduled.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the Veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 10 percent for limitation of motion at any time during the claims period, and that he does not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on subluxation or other conditions.

The Veteran's left knee condition, left inguinal hernia, and left varicocele are all service-connected. The left knee is rated at 10 percent for painful motion with functional loss, the left inguinal hernia is rated at 10 percent, and the left varicocele has no compensable rating.

The Veteran's low back disability, left knee disability, and headaches have been granted service connection.,Service connection for the Veteran’s low back disability is established based on evidence showing a relationship between his active duty service and his current condition. The same applies to his left knee disability and headaches.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that the Veteran's arthritis did not manifest within one year of his separation from service and there is no probative evidence linking his current condition to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular requirements for a TDIU, but evidence indicates they prevent employment. The case is remanded to determine if an extraschedular rating is warranted.

The Veteran's hinged knee brace tends to wear and tear his clothing, which meets the criteria for a clothing allowance for the 2014 calendar year.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right knee disability, residuals of a right rib resection, and right flank scar. The effective date issue is also being remanded.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disorders, finding that the conditions were not incurred or aggravated by service. The examiner concluded it was less likely than not that the minor injuries during service could lead to severe enough knee disorders requiring replacement.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection of left and right knee disabilities due to additional development being necessary.

The Veteran's left total knee arthroplasty is rated at 30 percent since September 1, 2009 and does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has denied service connection for degenerative changes in bilateral knees with left knee patellofemoral syndrome and remanded the issue of secondary service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's claim is being returned to VA for further review.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the disability rating from 20 percent to 0 percent for traumatic injury, right knee was improper. The Veteran's appeal is now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for a compensable evaluation for his right knee surgical scar and an evaluation greater than 10 percent for chronic synovitis of the right knee are remanded. The propriety of reducing his rating from 10% to zero percent effective February 1, 2016 is also remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral knee disorders, and hearing loss, rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from August 10, 2000, to June 19, 2006. The Board granted a TDIU during this period.