Knee Board decisions

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes. The temporary total disability rating for convalescence was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional information and a vocational assessment. The current service-connected left knee disability does not meet the minimum scheduler criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability to include PTSD, right arm laceration, left knee disability, right knee disability, lumbar spine disability and bilateral foot disability. The new evidence submitted since the final decisions raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and subluxation, is currently rated at 10 percent. The claim for a higher rating remains denied.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding no evidence of in-service injury or chronic condition that manifested within one year after separation from service. The Veteran's current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's eczema, tinea pedis and tinea corporis have been rated as non-compensably disabling due to the nature of the skin conditions not meeting the criteria for a compensable evaluation. The scar from mole removal on the left foot has also been rated as non-compensably disabling.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for left knee DJD and LLE surgical scar are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including examinations.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hip strain and bilateral knee patellofemoral syndrome are caused by his service-connected lumbar spondylosis with spinal stenosis and neural foraminal narrowing, thus warranting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the knees and ankles have been denied as there is no evidence that his conditions meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are presumptively service-connected due to their presence at entry into service, as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence of pre-service onset or aggravation during service. The Veteran's PTSD is also presumed service-connected.

The Board has received notification from the appellant's representative that they wish to withdraw their appeal on all issues, including service connection for left shoulder disorder, back disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and right knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a Joint Motion for Remand (JMR) and Court Order.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent rating for slight lateral instability of the left knee, effective from March 14, 2008. The Veteran's chondromalacia of the left knee, status post arthroscopy, is rated at 10 percent since August 20, 2014.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his right elbow and right knee disabilities has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition during the relevant time periods.

The Veteran's left knee disability is not entitled to increased ratings based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Veteran's mood disorder, to include depression and anxiety, is at least as likely as not aggravated by her service-connected hysterectomy residuals and breast cancer with lumpectomy and lymph node resection. The Board finds that the evidence for and against the claim on a secondary basis is at least in equipoise and the decision should be decided in favor of the Veteran.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability is due to a post-service motorcycle accident, and not related to his service. The claim for secondary service connection for sleep disorder was remanded.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 40 percent effective December 10, 2013. The appeal is denied for higher ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a left knee disorder that is attributable to military service or was caused or made worse by his service-connected right knee disorder, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.