Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's right knee disability was initially granted a 10 percent rating effective November 1, 2004. The decision is based on the evidence of record at that time.

The Veteran's service-connected SP left knee surgery with posttraumatic arthritis is rated as noncompensably disabling. The Board finds that a compensable evaluation is warranted for this disability throughout the claims period based on painful noncompensable limitation of motion under Diagnostic Code 5003.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder is being remanded due to the need for clarification of her secondary service connection claim and additional examination.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right knee condition due to new and material evidence. However, the claim is denied as there is no evidence that the Veteran's preexisting right knee condition was aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disorder is granted service connection, with the Board finding that it was incurred during his active duty. The bilateral foot disorder claim remains pending as there are no findings on this issue in the decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease, warranted a 10 percent evaluation based on limitation of motion. The claim for service connection for glaucoma and cataracts secondary to diabetes mellitus was not addressed due to it being outside the scope of the appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and right knee disabilities are of such severity as to preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right knee and ankle disabilities do not warrant increased ratings prior to September 10, 2010. Effective from September 10, 2010, the Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent, while his right ankle disability remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis, previously characterized as a left leg condition due to shrapnel injury, was granted service connection.,The issue of entitlement to service connection for hypertension remains pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's paraesophageal and hiatal hernia with GERD was not incurred in or aggravated by service.,There is no competent evidence linking the Veteran's current left knee condition to his active military service, nor did it manifest within one year after discharge. The low back condition also does not have a direct link to his service-connected right ankle fracture. The cervical spine disorder is not related to his jaw surgery.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including internal derangement and meniscal tear, is currently rated at 20% under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Knee. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, nor does the Veteran have limitation of extension to less than 10 degrees or limitation of flexion to less than 90 degrees.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected residuals of a back injury is supported by medical evidence and his statements. For his osteochondritis dessicans of the left knee, the Board grants an initial rating of 10 percent as there is some limitation of motion but no compensable x-ray findings.

The Veteran's current bilateral knee disability is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a disease or injury in service, and the preponderance of the evidence does not show a link between his current condition and military service.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee disability in service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and a right knee disability, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable due to his ability to perform substantially gainful employment despite the combined rating of 40 percent.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,For her left knee prior to February 2009, the evidence does not support a higher than 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private facility were reimbursed due to the nature of his service-connected disabilities and the emergency situation.