Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's initial claims for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine, left knee, right knee, and hip disabilities were denied. The RO increased the disability rating for the lumbar spine to 40 percent effective December 7, 2009.

The VA determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder is not related to her active duty service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee, left elbow, and left shoulder disabilities (arthritis) are not related to service. The evidence does not show a chronic disease in service or continuity of symptomatology after service.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 10 percent for the Veteran's post-operative arthrotomy of the left knee with degenerative joint disease prior to June 23, 2008.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and residuals of a shrapnel wound to the right knee, finding that new and material evidence has been received. The other issues related to scars have not met this standard.

The Veteran's left knee disability has been rated at 30 percent since July 1, 2009. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has ordered the VA to attempt to obtain private treatment records from Dr. Keith Roland (or Rowland) for the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disability and skin rash. The appeal is now remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for low back, bilateral shoulder, and left knee disorders due to lack of evidence linking current disabilities to service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5257 for impairment of the knee. The evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no indication of severe instability or subluxation, and x-ray findings do not show arthritis warranting an additional compensable rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the impact of his service-connected right knee replacement on his employability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disorder, bilateral knee disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the left leg and thigh, and back disorder have been denied as there is no evidence linking these conditions to her military service.

The Veteran's service connection for left foot plantar fasciitis, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, and PTSD has been granted. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for his left knee disability and 30 percent for his PTSD.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for hypertension and a left knee disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected flat feet. The claims are being remanded to allow for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities, as well as any other identified right and left knee disorders. The Veteran must be provided with an opportunity to report for this examination or submit alternative arrangements.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability was granted, with the effective date being October 1, 2008.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have begun in service and is granted service connection. The left foot, bilateral shoulder, and bilateral knee disabilities are not currently supported by the evidence.

The Veteran's tinnitus is found to have begun in service and is granted service connection. The left foot, bilateral shoulder, and bilateral knee disabilities are not currently supported by the evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for residuals of right leg below-the-knee amputation, PVD of the right leg, and Buerger's disease as his current conditions are not related to his military service.

The Board is remanding the case to determine if new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a right knee disorder, considering whether it can be granted based on aggravation of a pre-existing condition during service.

The Veteran's DJD of the right knee is currently rated at 10 percent, but his range of motion does not meet criteria for a higher rating under DCs 5260 and 5261.