Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's claims to reopen his service connection claims for psychiatric disorder, back disorder, stomach disorder, and bilateral knee disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current right shoulder disability and denied service connection for it. The claim for increased evaluation of bilateral knee arthritis was also denied, as the evidence did not show that the disabilities were more severe than what is currently rated.

The Veteran's PTSD has been granted initial evaluations in excess of 50 percent since March 29, 2004. The other claims have been denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus, diabetes mellitus (secondary to service-connected left knee disability), and right knee disability are all granted as direct service connection. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection were denied as his knee disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from obtaining and retaining all forms of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work experience.

The Veteran's right knee instability and degenerative joint disease have been rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings granted due to lack of incapacitating exacerbations or ankylosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability, which includes arthritis, warrants a 10 percent disability rating. The claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus is pending and will be addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's right knee pain and low back strain have been rated at the lowest possible levels, with no additional disability found to warrant higher ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right knee disorder was found to be related to his service-connected left knee disorder, but the lumbar spine disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity are not considered service connected. Service connection for Parkinson's disease due to in-service herbicide exposure is also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine his eligibility for specially adapted housing and adaptive equipment benefits due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining National Guard records and VA treatment records.

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

The Veteran's left knee disability is manifested by pain and subjective instability, with full extension but limited flexion to 55 degrees without pain. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for her service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5003. His right ear hearing loss is not compensable as it does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right knee iliotibial band syndrome warrants a separate 20% evaluation for moderate instability, but not more. The arthritis is rated as 10% disabling under Diagnostic Code 5260 (degenerative arthritis of the knee).

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that they are not related to his active service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee anterior cruciate ligament tear, traumatic arthritis, and left knee varus deformity with degenerative joint disease have been denied. The evidence does not support the assignment of higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.