Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for a right knee disorder is being remanded due to the need for a thorough and contemporaneous examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability. The July 2010 VA examination report, while noting an opinion regarding the etiology of the current right knee disability, does not provide sufficient new and material evidence to reopen the claim.

The Veteran's left hip condition was rated at 10 percent prior to July 29, 2009 and is now rated at 20 percent. The right knee condition remains at 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected post-TKR right knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating of 60 percent under Code 5055 (for chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness) is not warranted.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent on a schedular basis for the left knee disability, and subsequently referred the issue to the VA Director of Compensation and Pension Service for an extraschedular evaluation. The Director denied the request.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been granted, with the effective dates being March 12, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disability is not related to his service, and denied his claim. For headaches, additional evidence from SSA may be needed to determine if they are related to service.

The Board has vacated the previous decision and remanded the case for consideration by the RO due to new evidence submitted after the August 2011 decision.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, to include as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability, is being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under DC 5260. A separate rating of 10 percent for slight instability has also been granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not warrant further referral for extraschedular consideration, and his service-connected left knee disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to scheduling issues for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. His claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU remain pending.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of his medical records.

The RO reduced the evaluation of left knee instability from 10 percent to 0 percent, effective June 1, 2010. The reduction was proper as it considered all relevant evidence and followed the applicable regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his low back and bilateral knee conditions, are of such nature and severity as to preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his educational and occupational background. As a result, the claim for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's left leg and knee disabilities are rated at 10 percent each, with a separate 10 percent rating for his left buttock scar. The VA has granted the requested increased ratings.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding VA and private medical records, as well as potential need for a new examination if there is evidence of surgical procedure or other material change in the severity of the disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current pulmonary embolism with pseudo-gout is not due to service and is not related to his service-connected right knee osteochondritis dissecans, status post arthroscopic surgery.

The Board found that the Veteran's arthritis, psoriasis, hypertension, and coronary artery disease are not due to service or a service-connected disability.,Therefore, the claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee degenerative joint disease was denied. The Board also found that the criteria for a TDIU on a schedular basis, as well as on an extraschedular basis prior to March 10, 2003, were not met.