Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease with patellofemoral syndrome resulted in reduced range of motion, including limited extension to no less than -10 degrees and flexion to no less than 90 degrees. The disability did not result in locking, ankylosis, subluxation, lateral instability, impairment of the tibia or fibula, genu recurvatum, dislocation, or removal of the semilunar cartilage.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for acquired psychiatric disabilities, bilateral knee disabilities, and frostbite residuals were granted. The rating assigned is 30%.

The Board has found that remand is necessary to provide the Veteran with VA examinations of the lumbar spine and knees due to current diagnoses, service treatment records showing complaints and treatment for the knees, and lay statements indicating trauma during active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent under the applicable diagnostic codes, as there was no evidence of instability or limitation of motion beyond what is contemplated by the current ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability, back disability (as secondary to a service-connected right knee disability), left shoulder disability, and left elbow disability are related to his active service. The Veteran's tinnitus and vision loss do not have onset during active service or are not etiologically related to active service. Adult acne is also not related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability, finding that it is not due to service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right toe disability, right knee disability, and left testicle disability. The Veteran was not granted any compensable evaluations.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for degenerative joint disease of the hands and knees have been granted, with a rating of 10 percent each effective from July 17, 2007.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disability. The issues of increased ratings for right and back disabilities, as well as initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss are still pending. Service connection for night sweats is added to this matter but remains on hold due to lack of evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and chondromalacia patellae (knee) based on evidence showing these conditions are related to active military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine DDD and right knee DJD are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical strain, bilateral hearing loss and sinusitis. The Veteran was granted service connection for depression, Type II diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, osteoarthritis of the left knee and right knee, but his initial ratings were assigned at 10%, 20%, 0% and 0% respectively.

The Board has upheld the current rating of 10 percent for osteoarthritis and chondromalacia of the left knee, finding that it is properly compensated for the extent of functional loss resulting from symptoms like painful motion. The Veteran's flexion was limited to at most 120 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5260.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right knee disability and squamous cell carcinoma of the throat and lymph nodes. The issues are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule VA examinations.,The Veteran contends that his squamous cell carcinoma of the throat and lymph nodes may be related to exposure to herbicides during service. Service records confirm his Vietnam service, but no specific Agent Orange exposure has been documented. The issue is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if there is any link between the cancer and military service.,The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for his anxiety disorder. He testified that he experiences various symptoms including depression, fatigue, memory loss, and difficulty understanding complex commands. The issue is being remanded for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has ordered additional VA treatment records to be obtained for the Veteran's left knee disability. The appeal is being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative changes are currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on current evidence.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple conditions and disabilities, including numbness and tingling of the hands and feet, heart palpitations, right hip disability, high cholesterol, allergies, stress fractures, left knee disability, papillary necrosis, temporomandibular joint disorder, a lump on the cheek, right ankle disability, pelvic pain, fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence, hernia of the abdominal wall, and hemorrhoids. The appeal is being remanded for further action.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and a respiratory disability, finding that there is no current evidence of chronic disabilities resulting from in-service injuries or exposures.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, bilateral ankle and knee disabilities, GERD, residual scar from a left breast lumpectomy, tinnitus, and migraine headaches. The Veteran's current conditions are found to be related to her military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by pain and limited range of motion, does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.