Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied. The skin disability was not shown to cover more than 20% of the body or affect more than 20% of exposed areas, and treatment consisted of topical ointments prior to December 5, 2006. From December 5, 2006 through September 29, 2010, the Veteran's skin disability was assigned a maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 7806. Since September 30, 2010, the Veteran's skin disability has been assigned an 80% rating, the maximum rating authorized under Diagnostic Code 7800.,The Veteran's right thumb disability was not shown to have a gap of more than one to two inches between the thumb pad and fingers prior to May 14, 2003. Since May 14, 2003, the Veteran's right thumb disability has been manifested by pain but no other objective evidence of functional impairment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic orthopedic disabilities of the left ankle, knees, hips, hands, elbows, and shoulders have been denied as there is no evidence showing these conditions were incurred during active military service or within one year post-service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current residuals of a cold injury, including frostbite and pain in feet, knees, and legs, are related to his period of active duty service. The Veteran also has bilateral hearing loss that is likely incurred during active military service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, initially rated at 10 percent prior to March 14, 2007 and then increased to 20 percent effective from that date, is currently rated as 20 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's lumbar spine disability, including degenerative disc disease, is caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee chondromalacia patella. The case is being remanded for this purpose.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. The right knee disability claim is pending in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing records and incomplete examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his knee disabilities. The claim for individual unemployability will also be adjudicated.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for migraine headaches, left knee injury, bilateral plantar fasciitis, right ankle disability, left elbow disability, and right elbow disability were denied. The RO increased the rating for migraine headaches to 30 percent in September 2011.

The Veteran's left knee disability, rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5257 for status post tear of the medial meniscus, has been granted an increased rating to 10 percent. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU rating remains denied.

The Veteran's knee disabilities, including subluxation and instability of the left and right knees, as well as meniscal tears, are currently rated at 10 percent each. The appeal is granted.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of right knee flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, extension beyond 3 degrees, subluxation, or lateral instability. Peripheral neuropathy was found to be mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. There is no evidence of ischemic heart disease, chronic heart disability (excluding hypertension), peripheral neuropathy of bilateral upper extremities, rash on face and scalp, GERD, erectile dysfunction, renal insufficiency, sinus disability, or TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability and lumbar spine disability with radiculopathy are not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected right total knee replacement.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound, as he is able to perform most basic daily activities without assistance from others.

The Board has granted service connection for depression, bilateral knee disorder, and hypertension as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected back disability. The claims for a bilateral knee disorder and hypertension are denied.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim and granted service connection for a right knee disability, obstructive sleep apnea, and PTSD. The right knee disability is related to INACDUTRA service in 1993-1995. Obstructive sleep apnea had its onset during active duty service. PTSD results in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's tremors and knee conditions, as well as whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 10 percent rating for his right knee postoperative osteochondritis desiccants of medial femoral condyle, chondromalacia and excised plica was denied as the evidence did not show that he had received VA letters indicating he needed to report for a VA examination in May or July 1990. The effective date is set at November 29, 2007.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for multiple joint pain, finding that his symptoms are due to known diagnoses and not related to his military service.