Knee decisions — 2019

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar spine and knee degenerative joint disease, tendon repair of the right wrist, hypertension, headaches, and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted TDIU benefits.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for updated VA examinations and additional review of his medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right knee instability is granted at a 30 percent evaluation from January 8, 2015. Prior to that date, the evaluations were denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his time in service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee condition, including partial meniscectomy and degenerative joint disease, is being remanded for further examination to assess the extent of functional loss due to flare-ups and repeated use over time.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete range of motion findings from a previous VA examination.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are granted as service connected, with the Board finding that they are at least as likely as not related to in-service injuries.