Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to an error in obtaining the Veteran's service medical records. The case will be returned to the Board for further proceedings.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis, prior to October 2017, is granted a 20 percent rating. The issues of temporary total disability rating after surgery and TDIU are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal regarding the timeliness of her December 2016 Notice of Disagreement (NOD) is granted. The Board finds that she was first notified of the May 2015 rating decision denying service connection for an eye disorder and a bilateral knee disorder in August 2016, which resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for serous otitis media, right wrist disorder, low back disorder, and right knee condition are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left and right knee instability and subluxation prior to March 30, 2005 were denied. The reduction of the 20 percent rating for left knee patellofemoral syndrome from August 1, 2013 was not restored. The 20 percent ratings for left and right knee instability and subluxation were restored from August 1, 2013. Entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran will need a VA examination to determine if his current knee conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's left thigh and knee shell fragment wound is rated at 40 percent, but no more. The evidence shows severe muscle impairment to Muscle Group XIV.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's seizure disability. The remaining issues on appeal will be reconsidered after this development is completed.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings of right and left knee disabilities, but did not reach a decision on service connection or other issues. The Veteran's knees are currently rated at 10% each.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a dental condition and left knee disability due to insufficient evidence, including private treatment records from 2003 and 2008. The Veteran will need to provide these records or VA will seek them.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity involving the femoral nerve, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity involving the sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity involving the femoral nerve, osteoarthritis of the right knee, osteoarthritis of the left knee, and tinnitus, render him unable to obtain substantial gainful employment. As a result, the Veteran's claim for TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb sprain, service connection for a low back disorder, and service connection for a right knee disorder are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, bilateral leg disability (to include shin splints), and rib separation at the sternum. The evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing the Veteran with a new VA examination to determine the nature, onset, and likely etiology of any bilateral knee and right shoulder conditions. The Veteran is also asked to provide a medical opinion from his treating physician regarding whether his current conditions are related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination regarding flare-ups and range of motion. The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis condition is being reviewed for a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's application to reopen the claim for service connection of a left shoulder disorder has been granted. Service connection is also granted for this condition.,Service connection is being remanded for the issues related to right and left knee disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee scar but denied service connection for a left knee musculoskeletal disorder and arthritis. The scar was incurred in service, while the musculoskeletal disorder is not related to service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current knee conditions and his active military service.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder, including osteoarthritis, finding that the condition was not incurred in or related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine is considered to have caused his current osteoarthritis in both knees, thus granting service connection for bilateral knee disability.