Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's knee disabilities have not met the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease is rated at 20 percent effective from July 7, 2010. The Board denied an increased rating for the disability prior to that date.

The Veteran's right knee bursitis and degenerative arthritis do not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his left knee disability was denied because he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination without good cause.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for the Veteran's right knee lateral meniscal tear, effective from the date of the decision. The claim for TDIU is deferred pending assignment of an initial disability evaluation for the thoracolumbar back disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability and right hand traumatic arthritis were granted a rating of 10 percent each, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disorder and a rating in excess of 20 percent for his back disability. The claim for TDIU prior to October 23, 2014 was also denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability was granted a noncompensable rating prior to October 2, 2013 and a separate compensable rating for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage (meniscus) since October 2, 2013. The claim for an increased rating based on arthritis with painful limitation of motion was denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability, prior to September 29, 2017, is rated at 30 percent for residuals of right knee trauma with mild laxity and a separate 20 percent rating for torn meniscus. The TDIU claim was granted.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability, is currently rated at 30 percent under DCs 5257 and 5261. The Veteran has been granted a separate rating for his surgical scars.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and further development is required.

The Veteran's left knee disability, which includes post-operative meniscectomy and ACL repair with degenerative joint disease, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board has decided to remand two issues for further development: entitlement to service connection for a right knee disorder, and the issue of rating for left knee arthroplasty. The Veteran's right knee disorder is being examined again due to inadequate examination in July 2011, and an addendum opinion is needed regarding whether his right knee degenerative joint disease is proximately due to or caused by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including posttraumatic arthritis and meniscectomy/ACL tear, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board denied an increased rating for the condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities and a pulmonary disability, claimed as spots on the lungs. The Veteran also had a claim for skin cancer, to include as due to presumed exposure to herbicide agents in Vietnam. However, the Board found no evidence of current disabilities related to these conditions and denied all claims.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of arthritis within one year after service and concluding that the current right knee condition is not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete records from Social Security Administration and the Veteran's former employer.

The Veteran's hypertension is found to be caused by his service-connected diabetes mellitus, type II. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the bilateral knee disability was caused or aggravated by his service-connected right shoulder gunshot wound residuals.

The Veteran's December 23, 2013 Notice of Disagreement (NOD) was not timely filed and thus the July 1984 rating decision denying service connection for cold urticaria and right knee instability remains final.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability and depression were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied her claims for service connection.