Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's right and left knee DJD resulted in pain, weakness, swelling, and limited motion. The RO denied higher ratings as the disabilities did not meet criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee chondromalacia and patellar tendonitis, as well as right knee chondromalacia and patellar tendonitis, finding that these conditions are etiologically related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease and spondylosis of the thoracolumbar spine, left knee tricompartment degenerative joint disease, and other conditions have been denied as there is no evidence showing that these conditions meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, including as secondary to his service-connected coronary artery disease (CAD), status post myocardial infarction and CABG, was denied. The Veteran's CAD associated with hypertension is granted an initial rating of 60 percent.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee, left elbow, and right elbow disorders due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The temporary total evaluation claim is also remanded as it may be significantly impacted by the outcome of the other claims.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he is not in need of regular aid and attendance nor substantially confined to his dwelling.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to new evidence indicating that his service-connected disabilities have worsened since the last VA examinations. The Veteran will be scheduled for a new examination to determine the current severity of his back, left knee, prostate cancer, and left eye disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities due to insufficient development and examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee, ankle, and foot disorders, as well as hearing loss and tinnitus due to a lack of service treatment records (STRs) and military personnel records (MPRs).

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for impairment of the tibia and fibula, claimed as residuals of left leg injury with surgical scar, and left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

Service connection for benign papilloma of bladder status post laser uretholithiasis is granted. The claim of entitlement to service connection for pneumonia is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the issue of service connection for a right knee disability due to conflicting opinions and insufficient evidence. The Veteran's right knee disability is being evaluated further as it may be related to his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's knee conditions. The Veteran is seeking service connection for right and left knee conditions, but there are no current diagnoses or functional impairments found in the records provided.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed for the lumbar strain issue. The hypertension claim is reopened, and a 50% rating is granted prior to March 25, 2019 for major depressive disorder. A 70% rating is granted since March 25, 2019. The right knee disability appeal remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee instability, patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, and DJD of the right knee are all granted with specific ratings. Service connection for bilateral foot disabilities is also granted.

The Veteran's right and left knee degenerative arthritis with limitation of flexion are granted a rating of 30 percent for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility criteria for special monthly compensation based on housebound status as he does not have a single, permanent service-connected disability rated at 100 percent and is not permanently housebound by reason of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations to address the nature and severity of his service-connected lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease, right shoulder strain, and right knee strain.

The Board has remanded the cases due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand directives regarding service connection for left knee disorder. The issues are inextricably intertwined and a new VA addendum opinion is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.