Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied, and the case was remanded. The Board found that a separate rating for left knee instability is warranted prior to March 24, 2011, but no higher. A separate rating for left knee meniscus disability is also granted prior to March 24, 2011. No new ratings are assigned for the period after March 24, 2011.

The Board has reopened the claims for left foot, left knee, and hepatitis C disorders due to new evidence received. The remaining issues are remanded for further development including obtaining VA treatment records and providing examinations.

The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 20 percent from June 1, 2015 to June 30, 2020 due to dislocated cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain and effusion into the joint. No higher rating is warranted as other diagnostic codes are not applicable.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA medical opinion to determine if the Veteran's lower limb disability is related to service. The claims of service connection for lupus, cataracts (both eyes), bilateral knee disability, and pes planus are denied.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for chronic sinusitis prior to July 31, 2015 is granted. The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities with shin splints are each rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral knee and ankle conditions have been rated as 10 percent each, with separate ratings for instability. The appeal is remanded due to the need for further development.,The Veteran’s left and right knees are currently rated at 10 percent based on osteoarthritis and instability.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete service treatment records and further development is required.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and the Board denied a higher rating. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The Veteran's left ankle disability was granted a 20 percent rating from January 7, 2019 onwards. His right knee disability was granted a 20 percent rating for the entire appeal period.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee disability, right hand cold injury residuals, and left hand cold injury residuals. The respiratory condition (including asthma) issue is remanded due to the need for further development.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are rated at 50% since April 20, 2012. The costochondritis is rated at 10% from April 20, 2012 through January 17, 2020 and denied for a higher rating. The hiatal hernia and GERD are not entitled to an initial compensable rating. The residuals of right 5th metacarpal fracture and left knee chondromalacia patella do not warrant a higher than 10% rating. The traumatic brain injury with cognitive impairment is rated at 70% since April 20, 2012.

The Board has granted service connection for deviated septum and obstructive sleep apnea as a residual of deviated septum repair. The right knee disability and residuals of a deviated septum repair are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral painful hips, knees, ankles, sleep apnea and high blood pressure are remanded due to the need for further development regarding his service dates and VA examinations.

The Board has denied service connection for low back, left knee, and right leg/knee disorders due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to November 5, 2015 for the initial grant of service connection for right knee instability is granted. The earliest possible effective date is assigned as the date of receipt of the claim, which was November 24, 2008.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee arthritis. The case is remanded to determine if the Veteran's nephrolithiasis and renal failure are secondary to his service-connected lumbar disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including low back disability, sciatic nerve disorder, left and right knee disabilities, left and right hip disabilities, and lower extremity radiculopathies. The primary basis for denial is that there is no evidence of a direct relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee and ankle disabilities, finding that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to active service or any service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right and left knees based on a finding that the Veteran's current knee conditions are related to an in-service injury.