Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his bilateral knee condition, neck disability, and PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial disability ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, particularly regarding range of motion testing.

The Veteran was found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, including bilateral knee pain and arthritis. His combined service-connected rating was 90 percent, effective October 31, 2011.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran needs regular aid and attendance, warranting a grant of SMP based on this need.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of any current acquired psychiatric disorder and bilateral knee disability. The Veteran's claims for service connection are being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss, meniscal tears and osteoarthritis of the left knee, and meniscal tears and osteoarthritis of the right knee are all found to be related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right knee tendonitis and instability, finding that the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for tendonitis or 20 percent for instability.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including his meniscectomy with arthritis and limitation of extension, has been rated at 40 percent since October 3, 2016.,Restoration of a separate 10 percent rating for the left knee medial meniscectomy was granted.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee DJD and a separate rating for dislocated semilunar cartilage associated with left knee DJD, effective April 30, 1979. The initial increased ratings for limited flexion and extension are also granted.

The Veteran's combined ratings do not meet the percentage requirements for TDIU, and his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's multiple noncompensable service-connected disabilities did not clearly interfere with his normal employment during the period of January 7, 2010 through February 10, 2015.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional development needed, including obtaining medical records and considering a separate evaluation for right knee meniscectomy residuals.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability, is currently rated at 30 percent. Separate ratings for a meniscus condition and limitation of flexion are in effect.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder and denied service connection for bilateral knee disorder, erectile dysfunction, and increased ratings for major depressive disorder and hearing loss. The Veteran's current lumbar strain is found to be related to his military service.

The Board has ordered additional development on the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, including an addendum opinion regarding his bilateral knee disability and left hip disability. The case is also referred to VA's Compensation Service for consideration of whether an extraschedular rating is warranted for PTSD with depressive disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment of a sedentary nature.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disability is causally related to his period of active duty and his service-connected right knee disability, thus granting service connection for the condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected left knee and left ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for PTSD and fractured little finger, as well as service connection for hair loss and bilateral knee pain have been denied. The case is REMANDED to obtain additional medical records and schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability is service-connected, as it is at least as likely as not caused by an injury sustained during his period of service.