Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, and the Board grants TDIU.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spine foraminal stenosis and status post left knee meniscectomies were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a rating in excess of the current assigned evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient rationale in a previous VA examination report, and the need for further medical opinions regarding the Veteran's bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran's depression and adjustment disorder secondary to left shoulder, left knee, and low back pain are rated at 50% prior to June 12, 2017. A rating of 70% is granted for the period from June 12, 2017 forward. The associated lumbar LLE radiculopathy is rated at 10%. The limitation of motion on extension of the left knee is rated at 0%, and a separate rating not to exceed 10% for non-LOM symptoms of left knee bursitis and posterior cruciate ligament strain (September 10, 2011 to April 21, 2014) is granted. The superficial painful scars are rated at 0%, and a compensable rating for scar residual, forehead, is denied.

The Board has denied service connection for a left shoulder disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, and left knee disorder. The claim for vertigo is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has granted the reopening of the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee degenerative changes and patellar spur condition, but denied all other issues. The claim for right thigh scar is denied as there is no current diagnosis of a right thigh scar. The claims for bilateral lower extremity peripheral neuropathy are also denied.

The Veteran's petition to reopen the claim of service connection for chondromalacia of the left knee was granted, and a rating of 70 percent for schizophrenia was granted. The claims for varicose vein of the left testicle and increased rating for schizophrenia were denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back pain, left knee condition, right knee condition, left ankle condition, and right ankle condition due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's statements and private treatment records indicate she had injuries in service, but the VA examinations did not consider these factors or provide a rationale for their conclusions.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee condition, finding that the Veteran's current left knee condition is aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus. Service connection for a right knee condition was denied as there is no evidence of a current right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, low back disability, and COPD (including as a result of exposure to herbicide agents) have been granted. The claim for service connection for asthma has been denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, knee, ankle, and right upper extremity neurological disabilities due to lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives. The Veteran's essential tremor is also being remanded as there was no opinion regarding whether it is related to Gulf War service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to the need for VA examinations and additional records.

The Board has decided to remand the claims due to insufficient private medical records, which may contain relevant information for the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and lumbosacral strain with degenerative changes are being remanded due to lack of substantial compliance with the August 2017 Board remand directives.

The Veteran's lumbar strain, left and right knee disabilities are remanded for further evaluation due to the need for updated VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for various hand, knee, foot, and hearing loss disorders as the evidence did not establish a link to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disability, right ankle disability, chronic parotitis with stones, status post left parotidectomy, left knee disability, and right knee disability has been reopened. The claims are granted as secondary to bilateral otosclerosis with impaired hearing, post-operative stapedectomies.

The Board has denied service connection for gout, a bilateral knee condition other than gout, obstructive sleep apnea, and hypertension due to lack of evidence supporting their onset or relationship to service. The Veteran's claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to unclear evidence regarding whether the Veteran's spouse meets the requirements for spousal aid and attendance benefits. A VA examination is needed to determine this.