Knee Board decisions

The Board has ordered additional development due to inadequate examination reports and incomplete records. The Veteran's left knee disability claim is remanded for a new VA examination, while her TDIU claim requires an updated medical opinion on the impact of her service-connected disabilities on her employability.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee, thigh and leg shrapnel wounds are rated at 20 percent each since February 27, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with mechanical low back pain and degenerative changes, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are all rated at 20 percent. The Veteran's residuals of a left knee contusion with patellofemoral syndrome and chondromalacia are also rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is remanded due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations and incomplete service treatment records. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's appeal of an increased rating for Osgood-Schlatter's disease with patellofemoral syndrome, left knee, with arthritis was dismissed. The claim to reopen service connection for tinnitus is reopened.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and private dental records. She is also required to undergo a VA examination to determine the relationship between her current bilateral knee disorder and in-service motor vehicle accident, as well as whether she has an acquired psychiatric disorder related to her bilateral knee disorder or service. Additionally, she must be examined for residuals of dental trauma.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the Veteran's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), effective from the date of the decision. The claim for service connection for a left knee condition, to include as secondary to a service-connected disability, is reopened and assigned a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 30 percent prior to October 21, 2008. Since then, the maximum rating of 60 percent has been granted. The appeal for a higher rating on right ankle disability is withdrawn.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current umbilical hernia is not related to his service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current headache or right knee disability as a result of service. The evidence is against finding a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for service connection as his left knee disorder was found to be preexisting and not aggravated by any period of active duty.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the relationship between the Veteran's left inguinal hernia repair and his current left knee disability, as well as any potential neurologic condition. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's left total knee arthroplasty has been manifested by moderate pain, weakness, fatigue, and stiffness, with severe lack of endurance. The Board found that the condition does not more closely resemble an amputation at the upper third of the thigh.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for ulnar nerve entrapment of the left upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and a right knee disability, all including as due to herbicide exposure or service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied service connection for right knee disability and back disability, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are less likely related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to procedural issues related to the reduction of her ratings for patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees.

The Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for his right knee strain and low back strain, as well as a compensable rating for his tinea pedis, were denied. The evidence did not show that the disabilities warranted higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination for a determination on service connection for bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance is being remanded due to the need for a new examination to assess his current medical condition, particularly related to the right below the knee amputation in March 2010.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed bilateral knee disorder, right ankle/foot disorder, and blood disorder.