Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for blepharitis was withdrawn at his Board hearing. The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are currently rated as noncompensable.,The Veteran's service connection claims for anthrax shots and bilateral hearing loss were also withdrawn at his Board hearing.

The Veteran's PTSD has not met the criteria for a higher rating, and his TDIU claim is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee chondromalacia patellae were denied by the RO, as there was no evidence of dislocation or instability warranting a higher rating.

The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of a bilateral ankle disorder and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The left knee disorder was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability was incurred during his first period of active service, and therefore grants service connection for a right knee arthritis.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions were granted, with specific evaluations assigned. The lumbar spine condition was initially evaluated as not meeting the criteria for a higher evaluation prior to February 17, 2011 and from August 16, 2011 onwards. For cervical spine disability, initial compensable evaluation was denied prior to August 16, 2011 but granted at 20 percent thereafter. The left shoulder condition received a compensable evaluation starting from August 16, 2011. Right knee and benign prostatic hypertrophy conditions were initially evaluated as non-compensable. Right-side sciatica was evaluated as moderately severe since January 27, 2015. Hemorrhoids did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome have been found to be service-connected.,Right hip disability is also service-connected as secondary to his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for osteoarthrosis of the left knee, status post arthroscopic surgery for medial and lateral meniscectomy with scars is being remanded due to additional development needed.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by painful motion and slight instability, does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent. A separate 10 percent rating is assigned for left knee instability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for a left knee disability, thus denying the Veteran's request.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, liver disorder, and various knee disabilities have been granted. The Veteran is also entitled to an initial compensable rating for his septoplasty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right and left knee replacements and limited range of motion in the left ankle, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. His acquired psychiatric disability is also service connected as secondary to his orthopedic conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability. The Veteran is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability was not related to his military service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is not related to his military service, including exposure to herbicides. The claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral knees was denied as there is no evidence linking the condition to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability is less likely related to his military service and more likely due to post-service work in construction. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis of the left knee and ankle is not related to his active military service or any service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for scheduling a hearing before the Board due to the Veteran's failure to appear at his previously scheduled hearing. The appeal is also remanded for further development related to service connection claims and TDIU.

The Veteran's left knee disability has been evaluated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for any portion of the appeal period.

The Veteran's current right knee disorder is not service-connected as it was not present in service or within one year after discharge, and there is no link between his in-service injuries and the current condition.