Knee decisions — 2018

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been rated based on their service-connected nature, with the highest possible ratings for each knee prior to July 5, 2016, and since then. The claims are now focused on whether he was entitled to higher ratings for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right knee disability and its impact on his ability to work.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus at least as likely as not caused his current back, right and left knee, and right and left ankle disabilities. As a result, these conditions are granted.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's current right knee disability was incurred in service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's left knee conditions, including degenerative joint disease and residuals of the injury, were rated at 10% prior to January 8, 2010. The Board found no evidence warranting an increased rating under applicable criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability warrants a 10% rating, effective from the date of his claim. The decision also addressed issues related to an increased rating and TDIU.

The case is REMANDED for a new VA examination to assess the current severity and manifestations of the Veteran's right knee disability, including any meniscal conditions. The TDIU claim is also inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and right knee disorder, but assigned no effective date as the evidence does not indicate a clear date of injury or onset.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA records, providing an addendum to the May 2015 examination report, and readjudicating the appeal.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and secondary service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating or secondary service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of recent VA examination and updated treatment records, as well as the possibility that the Veteran's right knee disability may have worsened since the last examination in 2013. The Veteran is also asked to provide any private treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to make a determination on the Veteran's claims, including obtaining VA treatment records and conducting further examinations.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by limitation of flexion and extension, was rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5260 for limitation of leg flexion. The claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating of his left ankle disability, as well as his claim for a TDIU due to inextricably intertwined issues.

The Veteran's left knee disability is not service connected, and his right knee disability does not cause or aggravate his left knee disability.,The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for a TDIU as of April 16, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic low back pain, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and degenerative arthritis of the right knee, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence, and a new medical opinion is needed regarding the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder and right knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor are they proximately due to a service-connected disability. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right or left knee disability related to his service and therefore, denied both claims for service connection.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder has been rated at 100% since August 16, 2007. As a result, the issue of entitlement to TDIU is rendered moot.