Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and the Board found that it does not warrant a higher rating based on additional limitation of motion or other factors. The claims for bilateral shoulder, hip, knee disabilities, and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy were denied as they are not proximately due to or aggravated by service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's preexisting left knee disorder was aggravated by active service, and the Board has determined that she is entitled to service connection for this condition. The right hip bursitis rating issue remains pending.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 10 percent prior to October 8, 2014. From October 8, 2014 to December 31, 2014, he received the maximum schedular rating of 100 percent due to convalescence following surgery. From January 1, 2015 to March 30, 2015, his right knee extension was rated at 40 percent. Since June 1, 2016, he has been rated at 60 percent for postoperative residuals of total right knee replacement.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his service-connected left knee disability, as well as the relationships between his various disabilities. The claims are also inextricably intertwined with TDIU and DEA.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for low back disability and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, finding new and material evidence. Service connection is granted on a secondary basis to the left ankle disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorders are not related to his active duty service and denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent for osteoarthritis, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not related to his active service.,Service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee, right flatfoot, and bilateral hearing loss is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left knee degenerative joint disease and instability, as well as depressive disorder, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's partial left knee replacement has been rated at 60 percent since April 1, 2016. The previous ratings for lateral collateral ligament laxity of the left knee have not met criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee, left knee, and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to his military service. The psychiatric disorder is also not related to his military service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's current right knee disability is related to his active military service, and the Board finds in favor of granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability did not manifest within one year of separation from active service and is not otherwise etiologically related to his service.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability did not contribute to his death, as evidenced by lack of treatment records indicating falls due to the condition. The previously nonservice-connected encephalopathy and gout were also considered in determining causation.

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional treatment records from medical providers that were not previously associated with the claims file. The Veteran is required to submit these records or provide authorization for VA to obtain them.

The Veteran's claims for evaluation of service connected degenerative joint disease of the left knee, entitlement to a TDIU, and entitlement to an extra-schedular rating for a right knee disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran's hypertension was not incurred in service and denied his claim. For his right knee disability, he is currently rated at 20 percent for residuals of medial meniscectomy under Diagnostic Code 5258. The criteria for ratings in excess of 10 percent and 30 percent for limitation of motion have not been met. However, the Veteran was awarded a separate 10 percent rating for valgus deformity beginning October 22, 2012, and a 30 percent rating for instability from July 17, 2009 to July 18, 2016.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration by the Director of Compensation Service.