Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's increased rating claims for cervical/dorsal strain, chondromalacia of the left knee, and tension headaches have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.,Specifically, the Veteran's cervical/dorsal spine disability does not result in forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, with combined range of motion no greater than 170 degrees. His left knee disability does not include recurrent subluxation or lateral instability resulting in limitation of extension to 10 degrees or more. And his tension headaches do not involve prostrating attacks occurring on an average once a month over the last several months.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left knee chondromalacia patella and to determine if he has any current right knee or bilateral shin splints disabilities. The Veteran also needs to be provided with VCAA notice concerning TDIU.

The Board has found that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection, but she does not meet the criteria for service connection as her current conditions are not supported by medical evidence.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by limited range of motion and arthritis, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining outstanding records and ensuring that alternative sources of information are considered for a PTSD claim. The Veteran's bilateral plantar keratosis repair and lumbar spondylosis must also be examined to determine their current severity.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a bilateral knee disorder, bilateral ankle disorder, or respiratory disorder. The claims for these conditions are denied.

The reduction of the rating for right knee internal derangement with degenerative joint disease from 20% to 10%, effective February 1, 2009, was proper. The Veteran's appeal regarding a higher rating prior to February 1, 2009 and after that date is denied.

Service connection for a positive tuberculin skin test was granted. The Veteran's current arthritis of the right and left knees is rated at 10 percent each, with no higher evaluation warranted based on flexion limitation or other criteria. The Veteran's arthritis of the right ankle has been increased to 20 percent since August 14, 2008.,The Veteran's service connection for a positive tuberculin skin test was granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and SSA documents, as well as any VA vocational rehabilitation folder. The Veteran will also be provided an updated VA medical examination to assess the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's right knee DJD is being remanded for further development, including securing treatment records from Christ Community Hospital and providing the Veteran with notice regarding effective dates of awards and criteria for rating knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations are inadequate and requires additional evaluations for the Veteran's right shoulder and left knee conditions. The appeal is REMANDED to the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right knee disorder due to new and material evidence. The Veteran's pre-existing right knee condition was not aggravated by active service, but his current symptoms are related to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations of her right knee and hip disabilities, as well as consideration of new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a medical examination to determine if his left hip fusion is related to service-connected bilateral pes planus. The TDIU claim must also be remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee and left ankle disabilities are not related to his service, as there is no evidence of a pre-existing condition or an in-service injury. The current conditions are considered to be due to natural progression.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability, degenerative changes of the right and left knees, and tremor of the right and left hands. The appeal was decided on the basis that the evidence did not support granting these conditions based on direct service connection.

The Board has granted a rating of 50 percent for arthritis of the right knee as of February 16, 2010. The Veteran's right knee instability is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence sufficient to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability has not been received, and thus denied the application to reopen.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of pyelonephritis or early patellofemoral syndrome, and thus service connection for these conditions is denied. The acquired psychiatric disorder claim was also denied.