Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the schedular criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities, as none of them alone or in combination rated at least 60% disabling.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee condition is denied as there is no evidence of a current disability and the preponderance of the evidence does not support an in-service injury.,The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for left knee and ankle conditions are both denied as the preponderance of the evidence does not show that his disabilities meet or approximate the criteria for higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, updated medical records, and opinions regarding the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability as there is no indication of current disabilities or any relationship between alleged disabilities and service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, eye problems to include retinology, right knee condition, left knee condition, vertigo secondary to bilateral hearing loss, and kidney failure with advanced kidney loss. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his left knee instability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination. The issue of whether the reduction in evaluation was proper remains pending.

The Veteran's right knee disorder, including arthritis, is remanded for further examination and opinion regarding its etiology.

The Board has remanded the claims for initial extraschedular evaluations for bilateral knee disabilities and a TDIU due to marked interference with employment and significant limitations in performing job-related duties.

The Veteran is granted annual VA clothing allowances for the years 2016 and 2018 due to her use of left knee braces, which cause wear and tear on her pants. The decision also grants a clothing allowance for the year 2016 due to her use of a low back brace.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his right knee condition and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a lack of evidence regarding his exposure to ionizing radiation and missing service treatment records. The Veteran is also required to undergo medical examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's right knee medial collateral ligament strain was granted an increased rating to 10% effective May 9, 2011.,The Veteran's hypothyroidism with bradycardia was granted an increased rating to 30% effective May 9, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance for topical medication used on his knees is denied because the medication was already covered by existing allowances and does not cause irreparable damage to outer garments.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for nonservice-connected pension due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal. The cases for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee injury, bilateral hip disability, and left knee disability are remanded.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and a right upper extremity weakness, finding that the evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and active service.

The Veteran's right knee strain with degenerative arthritis, limitation of flexion, is rated at 10 percent and denied an increased rating.

The Board has remanded several claims, including service connection for various shoulder and elbow disabilities and a higher rating for duodenal ulcer. The appeals are pending further review.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee and cervical spine disabilities are being remanded for additional examinations to determine their current severity.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, memory loss, left knee disability, degenerative arthritis of the hands, right foot gouty arthritis, arthritis of the neck, sinus disability, respiratory disability (asthma and/or shortness of breath), acid reflux, and facial scar. The Board found that none of these claims were supported by evidence showing a direct link to service.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need for updated VA examinations and consideration of recent evidence.