Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability was denied as the evidence did not show limitation of motion to at least 45 degrees or extension limited to at least 10 degrees, which are required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260 and 5261. The Veteran's arthritis is already rated based on limitation of motion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee condition, right ankle condition, and sinus condition. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional evidence and to ensure proper development of the case.,Service connection is not granted for bilateral pes planus or right ear hearing loss as there is insufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee disability, finding no medical evidence linking his current condition to his in-service injury. The VA examiner concluded that there was no causal relationship between the 2001 incident and any current symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for reopening his service connection claim for a bilateral knee condition and for pes planus. The Veteran's bilateral knee condition was found to be not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of injury during service and the disability preexisted service. For pes planus, the Board determined that it did not undergo aggravation during service and thus could not be considered service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder and left knee degenerative joint disease are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's TBI residuals are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, as well as his claim for an initial compensable rating for recurrent epistaxis, are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran wishes to withdraw her claim of entitlement to service connection for hearing loss. The remaining issues on appeal are being remanded for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected lumbar spine disability and left knee disorder, as well as any associated neurological disorders. He will also be scheduled for a VA examination to assess the etiology of his left knee disorder.

The Veteran's benign cyclic leukopenia, left knee disability, lumbar spine disability (including sciatic condition), and acquired psychiatric condition (to include PTSD) are all found to be related to service. The Veteran is granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to warrant a 70 percent disability rating from April 22, 2010, to September 6, 2016. The left knee strain issue was denied.

The Veteran's left knee disability, prior to November 24, 2010, and from February 1, 2011, is rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board denied entitlement to higher ratings for lumbar spondylosis with degenerative joint disease and right knee plica excision and partial meniscectomy with degenerative joint disease, finding that the schedular criteria adequately described the Veteran's disability picture.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee and low back disorders did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there was no evidence of a chronic condition. The VA examiners opined that these conditions are less likely related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine and knee disabilities are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the claim for service connection for a right knee disability. The Veteran's statements associating his right knee condition with service are considered cumulative.,Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, is denied as there is no medical evidence showing onset during or within one year after service and the weight of the evidence does not support a finding that any current psychiatric disability is related to service.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent disabling for the entire appeal period, with a separate 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion of the leg (left knee) effective January 12, 2018.,For the period prior to January 12, 2018, a 10 percent rating is granted based on limitation of flexion of the left knee.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for iron deficiency anemia has been reopened, but the issue of whether she is entitled to service connection remains unresolved.,The Veteran's chest pain disability and its relationship to her service-connected PTSD are also remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's initial claim for a 10 percent rating for his left foot injury has been granted. The Board also remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service connection claims and requested additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various disabilities, including hypertension. The AOJ is instructed to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension was caused or aggravated by herbicide exposure during service.