Knee decisions — 2019

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for her left knee disorder and TDIU due to inadequate VA examination, lack of range of motion measurements, and need for further evidence regarding flare-ups and functional loss.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, as well as the claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The reasons are that no VA examiner has addressed all of the Veteran’s knee conditions during the claims period.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted a 10% rating. The claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders are denied as there is no evidence of in-service injury or chronic condition, and the current conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right leg injuries and knee disorders, have resulted in the loss of use of one lower extremity and affect his functions of balance and propulsion. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for specially adapted housing eligibility.

The Board has determined that additional medical examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder and sleep apnea, as these issues were not adequately addressed in previous VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disability, finding that his pre-existing condition did not worsen during his period of active duty training.

The Veteran's left knee strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to limited flexion.,A separate 10 percent rating for limited extension of the left knee is granted from July 26, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability and left knee degenerative joint disease are granted, while the claim for a psychiatric disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a right shoulder disorder, low back disorder, right hip condition, right knee disorder, radiculopathy to the right lower extremity, and psychiatric disorder. Additional development is needed to obtain relevant medical records and determine if any acquired psychiatric disorders are related to service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a spine disorder, left hip disorder, and right knee injury as well as the issue of an increased rating for a service-connected left knee arthritis. The Veteran's claim for earlier effective date for left knee arthritis is denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, finding that there is no competent evidence of arthritis in service or within one year following discharge from service. The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding that his current left knee disorder is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to joint pain, sleep apnea, sinus/nasal condition, headaches/migraines, and acid reflux are remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evidence review.

The Veteran's claim for a restoration of the 20% rating for lumbar spine degenerative disk disease is granted, subject to payment laws and regulations. The claim for a rating in excess of 20% for lumbar spine degenerative disk disease is denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 10% for right knee degenerative joint disease with chondromalacia patella is denied. The claim for entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) is denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral syndrome, right knee and an initial compensable rating for shin splints, left leg due to inadequate examinations. The Veteran is required to be scheduled for a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including back pain and knee conditions, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that the evidence shows he is entitled to an award of a TDIU rating based on his service-connected disabilities.

Your claims for service connection on multiple conditions have been remanded to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for review of additional medical evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claims.,Service connection was previously denied in June 1996, and no new and material evidence has been received since then.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent for traumatic arthritis and chondromalacia, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of limitation of motion to 15 degrees or less in flexion.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.