Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's right knee DJD was manifested by degenerative arthritis with limitation of flexion of no less than to 130 degrees, even when considering pain and flare-ups. The Board denied the claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to July 1, 2011.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for DJD, left knee prior to August 30, 2017, and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter is denied as his condition does not warrant such evaluations based on limitation of flexion or extension.

The Board has remanded the cases of a rating in excess of 20 percent for the residuals of a fracture of the left patella and total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to incomplete development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder, and denied his requests for increased ratings for right knee and left knee disabilities due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for lower back, right knee, and left knee disabilities as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus. Service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder) is also granted on a direct basis.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate development, specifically a lack of an adequate VA examination. The Veteran's knee conditions are being reviewed again for proper evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of appeals by the Veteran.,The Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for residuals of a right leg stress fracture, left knee fracture, or pelvis stress fracture.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of low back disability, left knee disability, and right knee disability due to lack of evidence showing a relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for arthritis, gout, and an eye disorder. The remaining issues of hypertension, gastrointestinal disorder (diagnosed colitis), erectile dysfunction, and kidney disorder are remanded.,Service connection is not granted for the Veteran's diagnosed conditions as they do not meet the criteria set forth in the applicable laws and regulations.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for various joint disabilities. The case is being returned to the RO for further examination and consideration.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including a dislocated meniscus with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion, is rated at 20 percent effective July 24, 2020. A separate 10 percent rating for slight lateral instability of the right knee remains in effect.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to missing records and inadequate rationale in previous VA examinations. The cases are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease and right knee degenerative arthritis have not met the criteria for an increased evaluation beyond 10 percent since October 31, 2011.,From October 31, 2011 to November 2, 2015 and from January 1, 2016, the Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis has not met the criteria for an increased evaluation beyond 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of a nexus between his claimed conditions and active service, including exposure to herbicides or parachute jumps. The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions had their onset in service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left knee disabilities, including arthritis and instability, were denied. A separate rating of 10 percent was granted for removal of symptomatic semilunar cartilage.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's appeals for service connection for headaches and an increased rating for hearing loss, as well as his claims for bilateral hip and knee disabilities. The AOJ is directed to complete further development including obtaining updated VA treatment records, requesting private care providers to provide evidence, scheduling a VA examination, and readjudicating the claims.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent for limitation of extension, effective September 10, 2007.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for an addendum opinion. The issues include rating his right knee disability, left knee disability with degenerative arthritis, and tendon damage of the left knee.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Board has also remanded the issue of service connection for a right hip disability, which is related to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to insufficient medical opinions and need for updated VA treatment records.