Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia has been rated at 10 percent since December 9, 2007. The Board granted a separate 10 percent rating for slight instability as of November 8, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the relationship between his service-connected right knee disability and his claimed back, left knee, bilateral hip, and bilateral ankle disabilities.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating based on his service-connected disabilities, with the exception of specific periods where the schedular criteria were met.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus appeal is being remanded as records from Sierra Endocrine Associates may support his claim for an increase in disability rating.,The Veteran's left knee arthritis appeal is being remanded to determine if there has been any worsening of symptoms since the last VA examination in October 2007.,The Veteran's right little finger and right knee disabilities are being remanded as evidence may support a secondary service connection claim.,The Veteran's TDIU appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his other appeals.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for service connection of low back disability, left lower extremity numbness, right lower extremity numbness, and left upper extremity numbness. The initial evaluation for fracture of the right little finger was granted with a 10% rating. Service connection for TBI prior to October 23, 2008, and PTSD since that date were both granted with increased ratings. Finding of total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted prior to December 20, 2010. Special monthly compensation based on statutory housebound status (SMC/HB) was granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical strain and bilateral knee disorder did not manifest during service or are otherwise related to her active duty, thus denying her claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities have not resulted in flexion limited to 30 degrees or extension limited to 15 degrees, which are the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent under applicable VA regulations.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for the right total knee replacement was denied. The other issues, including service connection and TDIU, were granted.

The Veteran's left knee condition, characterized as slight recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, warrants a 10 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and records are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection. The case is therefore REMANDED.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, a left knee disability, and a right knee disability. The claim for service connection for a low back disability was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability is not related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of motion, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his range of motion does not warrant one.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus was granted a higher evaluation of 30 percent effective January 10, 2007. The Board also granted an increased evaluation for patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees.

The Veteran's left and right knees are each rated at 10 percent for degenerative arthritis, but separate ratings of 10 percent for limited extension and 20 percent for instability and effusion have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right knee disability, including any additional limitations on function due to flare-ups.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hip, left ankle, right knee, and lumbar spine disorders are not service-connected as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board is unable to decide on the TDIU claim due to a need to first adjudicate the service connection for left knee disability. The Veteran's informal claim of service connection for his left knee disability may impact whether he meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for increased initial ratings for urinary incontinence, sinusitis, and anemia have been withdrawn.,Service connection has been granted for bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of continuity of symptomatology since service.