Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 60 percent, the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5055. The Board found that his symptoms of severe painful motion and weakness meet the criteria for this highest rating.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disorder and an increased rating for the Veteran's plantar fasciitis, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or to his service-connected foot condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (major depressive disorder, varicose veins of the right leg, and residual scars from right inguinal hernia) rendered him unable to care for his daily needs without requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person.,At the time of his death, the Veteran was also found to be service connected for bilateral knee osteochondritis. However, this issue is not currently before the Board as it has not been perfected through a timely appeal.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted service connection, and his right knee disability qualifies for a temporary total evaluation due to surgery. The left knee disability claims are pending.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling for the residuals of his injury with degenerative joint disease, and no more than a 20 percent rating is warranted for associated meniscus complications. The appeal has been granted.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the right knee disorder and temporary total disability evaluation under 38 C.F.R. �� 4.29, 4.30 for right total knee arthroplasty residuals.

The Veteran's left wrist disability is found to be aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. His right knee disability has been rated as 20 percent disabling prior to February 6, 2016.

The Veteran's left knee disorder is currently rated at 60 percent, the maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5055 for post-operative residuals of a total left knee replacement. The appeal is denied as there are no issues regarding service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee chondromalacia was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show flexion limited to 45 degrees or extension limited to 10 degrees, which would warrant a higher rating.,A separate 10 percent rating based on right knee instability was granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during service, and are not otherwise related to service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding in favor of service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than October 1, 2008 for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The TDIU arose on October 1, 2008, when the Veteran stopped working. The effective date of October 1, 2008 is correct as it is the later of the date of claim and the date entitlement to a TDIU arose.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertensive retinopathy was granted with an effective date of March 9, 2006, the date she was first diagnosed.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board cannot proceed with the merits of this case as he is no longer alive.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee meniscus tear is not caused or aggravated by his military service and thus denied service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for an examination of the Veteran's knee disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability, manifested by limitation of motion to 65 degrees of flexion due to pain, does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to assess the Veteran's right knee disability and provide retrospective medical opinions regarding her history of flare-ups.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 10 percent for removal of semilunar cartilage (meniscectomy) and a separate 30 percent rating is granted for limitation of motion due to painful flexion.

The Board has ordered a remand for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder and right knee disorders.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of his VA treatment records.