Knee Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the service connection claims related to left knee, right knee, and left foot disorders.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and records. The issues include bilateral knee, back, hearing loss, and right leg disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and updated VA treatment records. The status post left knee lateral meniscus repair and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is also being reviewed.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's right knee disability is related to an injury incurred during active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for a right knee disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there was no evidence of instability or subluxation. The Veteran's symptoms were limited to occasional discomfort and stiffness, which did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability is rated based on cartilage, semilunar, dislocated with frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion into the joint. The current rating of 20% is considered appropriate as it reflects the maximum benefit available under this Diagnostic Code. No higher ratings are warranted for lateral instability or limitation of extension.

The Board has remanded the claims due to the need for a VA addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder, including consideration of in-service parajumping and military service as a paratrooper.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current low back disorder or right knee disorder that is related to service. The claim for service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's knee disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations, including episodes of locking and dislocation, limitation of extension, and instability. The Board has granted increased ratings for these conditions.

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

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a new VA examination to address service connection claims for left knee and left ankle disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination to determine if his orthopedic appliances cause wear or tear on his clothing, as he claims they do.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for arthritis of the left knee and right knee have been dismissed as his appeal was withdrawn.

The Board has granted the Veteran's service connection claims for arthritis of the lumbar spine, bilateral knees, and left hip as secondary to his service-connected right peroneal and posterior tibial nerves, right buttocks, and right thigh injuries. The evidence shows that these disabilities are related to the Veteran's altered gait due to his service-connected right leg injuries.

The Board has remanded the appeal due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions and their relationship to service. The issues of service connection for various disabilities are being reviewed.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding her scars and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claims for right wrist, left ankle, right shoulder, and right knee disabilities are granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder and bilateral knee disabilities, render him unemployable due to their impact on his ability to perform the physical and mental acts required by employment. The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise with respect to whether the Veteran can secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for psoriatic arthritis, claimed as patellofemoral syndrome of the knees and bilateral elbow, wrist, and foot disability manifested by joint pain is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding etiology.