Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right knee is currently rated at 10 percent for degenerative joint disease, and noncompensable for limitation of extension. The Board found no basis to grant higher ratings based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by pain and limited motion, has been rated at 20 percent since October 25, 2017. The rating is based on limitation of flexion.

The Veteran's right knee disability was rated at 20% prior to January 8, 2018. The Board granted a separate 20% rating for postoperative residuals of a right knee menisci resection from May 3, 2012 through January 7, 2018.,The Veteran was also awarded a 30% rating for postoperative residuals of a right knee arthrotomy with menisci resection and ligamentous repair due to limitation of flexion from May 3, 2012 through June 4, 2012. The Board granted a separate 30% rating for limitation of extension from May 3, 2012 through June 4, 2012.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee disability. The TDIU claim is also being remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left knee disability is granted, with separate ratings of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis, 10 percent for instability, and 20 percent for dislocated semilunar cartilage effective from February 28, 2012.

The Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease, hypertension, and migraines are remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricability with the other claims.

The Veteran's service is not considered during a recognized period of war, thus denying her eligibility for VA nonservice connected disability pension benefits.

The appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for an updated examination to determine the current nature and severity of her service-connected right knee disability and left knee disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claim regarding a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease, right knee. The Veteran should be provided with a new VA examination to assess his current level of impairment and obtain any relevant treatment records.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient development, particularly regarding the relationship between the Veteran's right knee disability and his service-connected left knee and back disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for his right knee disability and increased rating for left knee chondromalacia. The claim for service connection of a low back disability is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for higher disability ratings for his left knee disability is remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination. A new examination is needed to assess the current severity and manifestations of the condition.

The Board has remanded three issues: entitlement to an increased rating for a right knee injury, referral of the case for extraschedular evaluation, and TDIU. The VA needs to schedule the Veteran for a new examination and refer the cases for further review.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's service connection claims for a right knee disability, skin disability of the right lower extremity, residuals of a shell fragment wound of the left shoulder, and TDIU. The issues are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding that his current knee conditions are not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected cervical spine and shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted as service-connected. The left and right knee disabilities are denied as not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee and right ankle disabilities, as well as anxiety disorder, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in disability rating beyond the currently assigned 10 percent for right knee disability, 20 percent for right ankle disability, and no higher than 30 percent for anxiety disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine, right hip, left knee, right knee, left ankle, right ankle, and left foot disabilities as they are at least as likely as not due to his active service.