Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has dismissed all appeals due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a supplemental opinion from the June 2018 VA examiner regarding functional impairment during flare-ups or on repeated use.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including left knee disability, right knee disability, left foot gout, right foot gout, and kidney condition. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection of low back disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and sleep apnea. The issues are being remanded for further development including obtaining updated VA treatment records, scheduling additional examinations, and considering a TDIU claim.

The Board dismissed the claims for service connection for a right knee disability and denied the claim for service connection for a left foot disability, as secondary to a service-connected left ankle disability. The Veteran's left foot disability was not found to be chronic or related to his service.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have been rated at the highest possible disability rating since November 28, 2012. Effective August 15, 2018, he is entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected PTSD and additional disabilities that are also service connected.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar spine and right knee disabilities due to new evidence submitted after her prior denial. The examiner will be asked to determine if these conditions are related to service, with consideration given to medication for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a lumbar spine disability and right knee disability due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection of lower back disorder and right knee disorder. The claims are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions regarding causation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for total unemployability due to service-connected left knee joint osteoarthritis, finding that his disability did not result in total unemployability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from engaging in the acts of gainful employment prior to July 25, 2011.

The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia patella and arthritis are each rated at 10 percent, with the arthritis receiving a separate rating.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and eligibility for specially adapted housing due to incomplete information in his medical records. The Veteran is currently receiving a combined 100% disability rating, but does not meet the criteria for special home adaptation grant eligibility.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that his current left knee osteoarthritis is less likely than not related to an in-service injury or event.

An effective date of December 15, 2008, but not earlier, for the award of a 40 percent rating for a chronic lumbar strain is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for right hand disability, residuals of a right foot injury, bilateral knee disability, and COPD. The claim for service connection for bilateral shoulder disability is remanded.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine the current state of the Veteran's back condition. The initial rating for right knee strain remains denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, leading to a grant of TDIU.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right hip, left hip, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a back disorder, left knee disorder, left heel/foot disorder, and hypertension due to insufficient evidence or need for further examination.