Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability has been assigned a maximum schedular rating of 60 percent, and the amputation rule prevents a higher schedular rating. The claim for an extraschedular rating is referred to the AOJ.

The Board has ordered additional development of the claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and considering new evidence submitted by the Veteran's representative. The case will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Veteran's right knee retropatellar pain syndrome is currently rated as noncompensable prior to December 9, 2010 and as 10 percent disabling thereafter. The left knee disability remains noncompensable.,Service connection for GERD and sleep apnea has not been established.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for service-connected lumbosacral strain and right knee disability due to inadequate examination findings.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee arthralgia, chondromalacia patella, and bursitis is likely due to an injury sustained during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was granted.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for increased ratings for his cervical spine, left knee, and left hip conditions. The Board found that the symptoms did not warrant higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee and bilateral hip disabilities are not secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to obtain service treatment records, arrange for examinations, and ensure that the claims are adjudicated on a complete evidentiary record.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized as right knee status post ACL rupture with meniscal tear and grade IV chondromalacia, was granted an initial non-compensable rating from February 6, 2007. A separate 10 percent evaluation for painful motion was awarded effective January 25, 2013.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to verify the appellant's service periods and obtain his medical records. The appeal will be remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome are currently rated at 10 percent each, effective January 1, 2009. His cervical spondylosis is also rated at 20 percent, effective the same date. The Board finds that these ratings adequately reflect the severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he requested and was granted the right to withdraw his appeal.

The case is REMANDED for the following: (1) Obtain copies of complete records of all VA evaluations and/or treatment the Veteran has received for GERD, low back, and right and left knee disabilities from April 2011 to the present. (2) Arrange for an orthopedic examination of the Veteran to assess the current severity of his knee and low back disabilities. (3) Arrange for a gastrointestinal diseases examination of the Veteran to assess the severity of his GERD.

The Veteran's right knee condition, including degenerative joint disease and total knee replacement, is found to be related to his military service. His erectile dysfunction is linked to his service-connected hypertension.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and exposure claims, but the VA has not verified his exposure to Agent Orange or other herbicides. The case is being remanded for further investigation.

The Veteran's claim for a higher initial rating for his service-connected right knee disability was denied as the evidence did not show that the disability warranted a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and records, particularly regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions of tardive dyskinesia and right knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including service connection evaluations and a determination of the functional impairment resulting from her bronchitis.

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that the Veteran's current left knee disorder was incurred in or otherwise resulted from her military service, including National Guard service. As such, the claim for service connection for a left knee disorder is denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his left knee disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to June 9, 2009 or effective August 1, 2010.