Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that further development is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right knee disabilities, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a right leg amputation and diabetes mellitus with peripheral neuropathy, result in loss of one lower extremity and associated functional impairment that precludes locomotion without assistive devices. The Board finds eligibility for specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of fracture to the right tibia-fibula with degenerative changes of the right knee was denied. The claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right knee limitation of flexion and extension were also denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings due to incomplete examinations, lack of adequate range of motion testing, and need for additional medical opinions. The issues include left and right foot disabilities, as well as increased evaluations for low back and right knee conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his bilateral knee conditions and associated depressive disorder, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support earlier effective dates or higher disability ratings.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection of back, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU from June 11, 2010 to February 28, 2011 and after February 21, 2013 due to his service-connected right knee strain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee retropatellar pain syndrome due to a potential worsening of his conditions as indicated by reports of instability resulting in falls.

The Veteran's appeal is granted, and he is now rated at a 40 percent for his right knee disability due to status post total right knee replacement.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is granted with separate ratings for limitation of extension, instability, and flexion. The initial rating for limitation of flexion remains at 10%, but the Veteran receives separate 10% ratings for limitation of extension and instability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence regarding the onset and progression of his shoulder, elbow, knee, and leg conditions. The VA examiner is required to provide an opinion on whether any current disability is related to service.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for PTSD is dismissed.,VA has ordered the remand of several issues including bilateral foot disorder, residuals of chondrosarcoma and left epididymal cyst, bilateral knee disability, shin splints, asthma rating, and onychomycosis. The Veteran must provide additional evidence to support his claims.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a bilateral foot disorder is remanded due to the need for an opinion regarding whether the current condition is related to in-service sharp pains in the right foot.,VA has ordered the remand of several issues including residuals of chondrosarcoma and left epididymal cyst, bilateral knee disability, shin splints, asthma rating, and onychomycosis. The Veteran must provide additional evidence to support his claims.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral shin splints is remanded due to the need for an opinion regarding whether the current condition is related to in-service pain and knots on the knees during military service.,VA has ordered the remand of several issues including asthma rating, onychomycosis. The Veteran must provide additional evidence to support his claims.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bilateral foot onychomycosis (foot fungus) is remanded due to the need for an opinion regarding whether the current condition is related to in-service sharp pains in the right foot.

The Board has vacated its decision and remanded the case due to a VLJ who conducted the hearing not participating in the November 13, 2018, Board remand. The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings on several conditions is being reconsidered.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee disability was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was also denied.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination, including service connection claims for various conditions.

The Veteran's left knee instability rating was reduced from 20% to 10%, effective January 5, 2015. The Board found that the reduction was improper and restored the 20% rating for this period.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disability was denied, and the effective date of the grant of a 50% rating is set at September 10, 2011.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee patellofemoral syndrome and left knee degenerative joint disease (DJD) due to incomplete records and need for a new VA examination.