Knee Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder, but the other issues remain pending and will be remanded.

The Board has determined that additional records are needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's knee disabilities and remands the claims for increased ratings, special monthly compensation, and need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for right and left knee disabilities remain at 10 percent each, as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or arthritis.

The Veteran's right knee internal derangement with chondromalacia patella and patellofemoral arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5260 (limitation of flexion).,The Veteran's left knee tibial tubercle fragmentation, ACL tear, and Osgood-Schlatter disease is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as the evidence does not show severe lateral instability or recurrent subluxation.

The Board has denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis of the right knee due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or any incident therein. The case is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine as secondary to service-connected knee disabilities. The Veteran's other claims are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the bilateral knees due to lack of evidence showing a compensable degree of disability within the presumptive period or continuity of symptomatology. The stomach pain claim is remanded as the Veteran did not report for a VA examination and there are no updated treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee and lower leg pain, as secondary to his service-connected bilateral pes planus. The VA will provide addendum opinions addressing whether these conditions are caused by or aggravated by his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded issues regarding increased ratings for the Veteran's right thumb and left knee disabilities, finding that additional evidence is needed to determine if higher ratings are warranted.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to ensure proper consideration of the Veteran's death and its potential connection to his service-connected conditions.

Service connection is granted for left knee arthritis. The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, insomnia, bilateral shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, residuals of malaria disability, and sinus disability are all remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral knee disability, low back disability, and pes planus due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran is presumed credible regarding his reports of in-service injuries and post-service symptoms.

The claims for service connection and evaluation in excess of 10 percent for plantar fasciitis are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions. The issues regarding secondary service connection, tarsal tunnel release, and sleep disability require further development.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral wrist disabilities, bilateral knee disabilities, and hypertension as the evidence did not show these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that all issues on appeal must be remanded to ensure proper development, including obtaining service personnel records and private treatment records. VA examinations are also required for the Veteran's claims of service connection for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, right knee degenerative joint disease, and left knee degenerative joint disease.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right shoulder and left knee disabilities due to their relationship with service-connected conditions. The Veteran's lay statements regarding in-service injuries are considered, as well as VA examination findings.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD is granted, and the Board finds that his current mental health symptoms are related to in-service stressors. The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claim for an extension beyond August 31, 2015 for a temporary total rating due to right shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis disability following surgery was denied. The Veteran also met the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims are remanded due to inadequate examination for his service-connected right knee disabilities and the potential impact on another claim.