Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the Veteran is not entitled to a compensable rating for residuals of a fracture of the right little finger, but granted separate 10 percent ratings for instability and locking in both knees. Recurrent sinusitis was assigned a noncompensable initial rating effective April 7, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation.

The Veteran's appeal to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for a left knee disability is denied. The right knee disability claim, which was secondary to the left knee disability, is also denied.

The Veteran's use of his VA-issued back and left knee braces is causing wear on distinct types of clothing, warranting annual clothing allowances for 2014.

The Board previously denied service connection for a right knee disability, but the Court has now remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and meniscal tear, is rated at 10 percent from June 4, 2010 to September 27, 2012. From September 28, 2012, the Veteran is granted a 20 percent rating for meniscal tear with instability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee arthritis, deep vein thrombosis, atrial fibrillation, and anxiety disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether he can perform such work.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 10 percent prior to March 7, 2011 and a separate rating of 10 percent for instability is granted. A higher rating is not warranted.,From May 1, 2012 onwards (excluding the period of temporary total rating), the Veteran's right knee disability post-total knee arthroplasty was rated at 30 percent. The Board has remanded this issue.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for service connection for right, left knee disabilities and low back disability secondary to bilateral ankle disabilities due to inadequate VA medical opinions. The Veteran's ankylosing spondylitis is also a factor in these claims.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examinations and the need for further evaluations of the Veteran's thoracic and lumbar spine disability, as well as his right knee disability.

The Veteran's hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus were denied service connection as there was no evidence of onset during service or within the presumptive period.,Left knee replacement, right knee limitation of motion with degenerative osteoarthritis, special monthly compensation based on Aid and Attendance/Housebound, temporary total evaluations for left knee replacement due to hospital treatment in excess of 21 days and surgical convalescence, and automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only were remanded for further examination and development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied. The Veteran's claim for a TDIU due solely to PTSD with alcohol use disorder is granted.

The Board has remanded several claims due to the need for additional evidence and examinations. The Veteran's service-connected conditions include migraine headaches, a left forehead laceration, tinea pedis of the bilateral feet, gout, sleep apnea, multiple painful joints, allergies, bilateral knee swelling with pain, bilateral hearing loss, residuals of a bilateral ankle injury, an upper and lower back disorder, and tinnitus. The claims are remanded for further development including obtaining SSA records, VA treatment records, and examinations.

The Board denied service connection for sleep apnea and other claims, including increased ratings for various disabilities. The Veteran's appeal was also remanded for further action on some issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and TDIU due to his service-connected lumbosacral spine and left knee disabilities. The VA is instructed to schedule the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations, provide him with proper notice of these examinations, obtain all outstanding records, and ensure that he provides any additional evidence needed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's pre-existing right knee disability was aggravated by in-service injuries, and service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right plantar fasciitis, left knee instability/subluxation, and right knee instability/subluxation are denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 20 percent for right plantar fasciitis, 10 percent for left knee instability/subluxation prior to December 12, 2017, and 30 percent for left knee limitation of motion since May 9, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to September 27, 2010. The Board denied the claim for TDIU based on the lack of evidence showing he was unable to work due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and the need for further examination.

The Veteran is granted an annual VA clothing allowance for the year 2015 due to his use of a right knee brace, which causes wear and tear on his pants.