Knee Board decisions

The Board denied an increased evaluation for a service-connected right knee disability in October 1985, and the Veteran is contesting this decision on grounds of CUE. The Board found that the correct facts were before them at the time and they applied the applicable regulations correctly.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected pes planus with bunions and degenerative joint disease did not cause or aggravate any of his claimed foot, ankle, knee, or lumbar spine disorders. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a grant of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease with hiatal hernia, and left knee degenerative joint disease were granted. The Veteran was awarded a 10 percent rating for his left knee disability.

The Board has reopened the claims of service connection for PTSD, a right knee disability, and a low back disability. The Veteran's PTSD is found to be related to his reported in-service stressor involving fear of hostile military activity during Operation Allied Force.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of treatment records and the need for a retroactive VA opinion regarding the Veteran's need for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance prior to September 4, 2013.

The Veteran's chondromalacia with patellar femoral syndrome of the right knee is rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5019 and an additional 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5258, for a total rating of 30 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee strain was denied. The issue regarding the higher initial rating for service-connected status post thyroidectomy with hypothyroidism prior to June 2, 2012, and entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 30 percent on and after June 2, 2012, is also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder and left knee disorders are causally related to his military service.,Service connection is granted for a left shoulder disorder and a left knee disorder.

The Veteran's left knee disability has not manifested flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, extension limitation, subluxation, dislocation, or lateral instability. However, symptoms have persisted even after partial removal of his semilunar cartilage.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. C.D.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection and rating for various conditions are pending.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee and granted it. The Veteran is not entitled to service connection for GERD, left wrist tendinitis, right wrist tendinitis, spurs and ununited fracture of the left ankle, spurs of the right ankle, or muscle tension headaches as they are not related to his active service.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability has been found to aggravate his degenerative arthritis of the left knee, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and degenerative arthritis of the right hip. Effective August 16, 2011, a 40 percent rating is granted for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a left ankle condition or a right knee condition, either on a direct basis or as secondary to his left ankle condition. The evidence is insufficient to establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has found that the Veteran's right knee disability, including degenerative joint disease (DJD), is as likely as not related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain an addendum opinion regarding his claims of secondary service connection for right knee and low back disorders, as well as a new VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability.

The Board denied service connection for right foot hammertoes, nerve damage to the right foot, nerve damage to the right leg, and a right knee disability (including as secondary to a right foot disability).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and back disabilities are not related to his service-connected left knee disability, and thus denied both claims.

For the period prior to July 5, 2011, the Veteran's left knee and right knee disabilities were not rated as compensable. The lumbar strain was granted but at a non-compensable level.,From July 5, 2011 onwards, the Veteran's chondromalacia of the left knee is rated at 10 percent, while his chondromalacia of the right knee remains at 0 percent. The lumbar strain was upgraded to a 10 percent rating.