Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess her service-connected disabilities, including their impact on her employment.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his right knee disability is denied as there is no evidence of limitation of extension or flexion that would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including service treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) medical records. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity to submit this information.

The Board has restored the Veteran's right knee disability evaluation from 20% to 30%, effective October 30, 2009, finding that the reduction was not proper due to lack of improvement in the condition.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee conditions, including degenerative changes and instability following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, are rated at 10 percent each. The right knee condition is not addressed as it was not part of the appeal.

The Veteran's combined disability rating from his service-connected conditions is 60%, which does not meet the schedular criteria for TDIU. The Board found that his unemployability was due to non-service-connected disorders, including back, neck, hand, and depression disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability, manifested by arthritis with pain, limitation of flexion to 90 degrees with pain, clicking and tenderness, has been found not to warrant a rating in excess of the current 10 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease and chondromalacia, is related to service injuries sustained during boot camp and a truck accident. The Board finds that the Veteran's current left knee disability is related to his in-service injuries.

The Board has determined that further development is required before deciding the issue on appeal, as a VA medical opinion did not adequately address whether the Veteran's current left knee disorder is secondary to or aggravated by his service-connected right leg disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with the right knee and left knee chondromalacia of the patella receiving a 10% evaluation each prior to November 24, 2008. The right hip degenerative joint disease received a 10% evaluation since that date.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection.

The Veteran's right eye disability is being remanded for further examination and opinion.,Service connection for bilateral heel spurs, bilateral knee disabilities, and bilateral hip disorders are being remanded as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity for a VA examination to address these claims.,Service connection for bilateral knee disabilities and bilateral hip disorders is being remanded as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity for a VA examination to address these claims.,Service connection for bilateral hip disorders, status post total hip replacements, and low back disorder are being remanded as secondary to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran will be provided an opportunity for a VA examination to address these claims.,The Veteran's low back disorder is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disorder and finds that there is sufficient evidence to establish that his current condition is related to his active duty service. The Veteran is granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left knee.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral knee conditions is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, which was rated as 30 percent disabling since January 15, 2003, is currently evaluated at 30 percent due to the absence of chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or severe weakness. The Veteran's right knee motion (with consideration of pain on motion) is limited to 20 degrees of extension and 90 degrees of flexion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this.

The appellant's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring an automobile and adaptive equipment or for adaptive equipment only due to his already service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is service-connected, as there was in-service injury and continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's hypertension, hiatal hernia, low back disorder, arthritis of the shoulders and knees, and left shoulder disability are not found to be related to his military service.