Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome is currently evaluated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.,The Veteran's right ankle disability has been rated as 10 percent disabling due to moderate limitation of motion. The Veteran also has subastragalar or tarsal joint ankylosis in good weight-bearing position, which warrants a separate 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's PTSD and arthritis of the bilateral hips & knees are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, reflecting limitation of motion and pain. The Board finds that the current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to schedule the Veteran for a Board hearing by live videoconference.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a left hip condition has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal prior to the Board's decision.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a lumbar strain with degenerative changes has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal prior to the Board's decision.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for an acquired psychiatric condition has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal prior to the Board's decision.,The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable rating for lipomas of the back prior to March 4, 2008 and 10 percent thereafter has been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew her appeal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection, ratings for various hip and knee disabilities, and a claim for TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative disease of the lumbar spine, bilateral knees, and left ankle as his conditions are not related to service or manifested within one year of separation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO granted service connection for PTSD with major depressive disorder, but did not grant the requested higher initial rating.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of degenerative osteoarthritis of the left knee has been denied as there was no new and material evidence submitted between final rating decisions and his July 31, 2009 claim to reopen.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC due to loss of use of a foot.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right knee strain was pending at the time of his death. The evidence did not show any limitation in range of motion or instability that would warrant a higher rating, and therefore, the claim is denied.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn by his attorney, effectively dismissing all claims.

The Board has granted service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and left knee disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his exposure to lead paint in service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including ligament injury with unstable knee and surgical scars, is currently rated at 20 percent disabling. The issue of entitlement to a compensable rating for the surgical scars remains on appeal.

The Board finds that additional development is required for the claims of service connection for a low back disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and left great toe disabilities due to incomplete records and lack of consideration of lay statements regarding continuity of symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are not service-connected, and his right knee disability is denied as secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's knee braces did not cause irreparable damage to her clothing, and thus the criteria for a clothing allowance have not been met.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disorder is not related to his service, including repeated parachute jumps. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or aggravation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee and low back disabilities are related to her service-connected bilateral pes planus, and thus granted service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by pain and slight instability, warrants a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5260.