Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disabilities, including osteochondral injury, sinus tarsi syndrome, and degenerative joint disease (DJD), are related to his in-service fall during ACDUTRA. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected low back strain and left knee disability were denied. The Board found that the applicable schedular criteria are adequate to evaluate each disability under consideration at all pertinent points.

The Veteran's current left knee disorder, diagnosed as chondromalacia and degenerative joint disease, is related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for multiple joint pain and myalgia are denied as new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims. The Veteran is therefore not entitled to service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 20 percent since March 20, 2012. The Board finds that the Veteran is entitled to a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability prior to this date.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of left malleolus and distal fibula fracture, as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability. The other issues regarding degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder and left knee are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and obstructive sleep apnea, finding that new evidence received since the May 2006 rating decision raises the possibility of substantiating these claims.

The Veteran's service connection claims for hand disability, nervous condition (depressive disorder NOS with anxiety disorder NOS), and left knee strain have been granted. The claim for pancreatitis is considered 'unknown' as it is not addressed in the decision.,The Veteran's right hand disability and bilateral pes planus were reopened and granted service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and left knee disabilities are not related to service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA aid and attendance/housebound examination. The claims for increased ratings will also be adjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant through his authorized representative, and thus the appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have residuals of a right femur fracture, and his right knee, left knee, and right hip disabilities are not service-connected. The Veteran's phlebitis is considered as incurred in service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the appellant's neck disability is related to a period of active duty for training and service connection is granted. The claims for left ankle and left knee disabilities are denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or chronic condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate examination and medical opinion regarding the etiology of current right wrist, ankle or knee disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability following replacement surgery resulted in pain, antalgic gait, use of a cane, and limitations on walking, standing, and sitting. This impairment is more severe than the minimum anticipated by a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5055.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disabilities. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance will also be remanded.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including the removal of semilunar cartilage and degenerative changes, is rated at 20 percent from April 6, 2010 to July 7, 2010. From July 7, 2010 to July 28, 2015, a separate 10 percent rating for the removal of semilunar cartilage is granted in addition to the existing 10 percent evaluation for DJD. The Veteran's right knee disability remains rated at 10 percent from July 28, 2015 onwards.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and lumbar spine disabilities are related to his service-connected residuals of a left distal tibia and fibula fracture.