Knee Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected iliotibial band syndrome, right knee; chronic thoracic back strain; and rotator cuff tear and impingement syndrome of the right shoulder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right and left knee disabilities are not related to his service, either directly or presumptively. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease resulting in current disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and medical opinions, to address the issues of service connection for a back disorder, increased evaluations for right foot disability, chondromalacia, left knee, residuals of an injury to the right knee, and pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB), as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to evaluate the severity of his service-connected right shoulder, left knee, and cervical spine disorders.

The Veteran's left knee disability, post-total replacement surgery, is rated at 30 percent since April 3, 2013.

The Veteran withdrew his entire appeal prior to a decision being made by the Board.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been withdrawn by his representative. The Board does not have jurisdiction to review these issues.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is found to have begun in service and the Board finds it as likely as not that his current condition began during active duty. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision below.

For the appeal period prior to July 27, 2016, the Veteran's right knee replacement (prosthesis) was rated at 30 percent. Beginning July 27, 2016, a higher rating of 60 percent is granted for this condition.,Since October 23, 2009, the Veteran has been rated with a separate 10 percent disability rating for left knee instability.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his appeal by his representative.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current right and left knee disorders, including chondromalacia with arthritis, and right shoulder disorder are not related to his active service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease leading to these conditions.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claims can be fully adjudicated.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder, diagnosed as status post right knee replacement, is at least as likely as not due to his in-service injuries. The claims for diabetes mellitus type II and skin cancer are being remanded for additional development.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee meniscal tear, status post arthroplasty, with arthritis. The Veteran's claim of secondary service connection for a left knee disability is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including loss of use of the right upper extremity and left knee conditions, necessitate regular aid and attendance. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA medical examination to assess the current severity of his knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to address whether any left knee disability is related to service or secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The examiner must consider and discuss two private physician opinions from 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete actions and need for clarification of opinions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorders did not have their onset during active duty service or within one year of discharge, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The VA examiners provided opinions against the claims based on the lack of in-service trauma or injury leading to arthritis.

The Veteran's left leg tibia fracture and left knee subluxation were rated at 10 percent prior to August 21, 2013. From August 21, 2013 to February 21, 2017, the Veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for his left knee subluxation and 10 percent ratings for both limitation of extension and flexion. Since February 22, 2017, he has been rated at 30 percent for limitation of flexion.