Knee decisions — 2020

The Board denied increased ratings for left knee limitation of extension and flexion, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for higher ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination in the June 2019 decision, and a new VA medical opinion is required to address whether the Veteran's bilateral knee disability was aggravated by his service-connected right foot disability.

The appeal of the rating for tinnitus is dismissed.,The claim for restoration of the 10 percent evaluation for left knee instability, effective June 24, 2015, is granted.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for right hand and wrist arthritis.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for migraine headaches.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for insomnia and sleeplessness.,New and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions including pancreatic disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome, low back disorder, bilateral hand and knee disorders, antiphospholipid syndrome, fibromyalgia, obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, and diabetes mellitus. The evidence did not support a nexus to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including atopic dermatitis, right knee disability, sinusitis, hernia repair scars, and abdominal adhesions, have rendered him unemployable. However, the evidence is contradictory regarding his employability due to these conditions.

A 30 percent rating for left knee DJD status post fracture of the left fibula and tibia is granted, along with a separate 10 percent rating for instability of the left knee. The issues regarding secondary service connection for hip, back, and right knee conditions are also addressed.

The Board denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, deviated nasal septum, and bilateral knee disability as the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and an inadequate addendum opinion. The Veteran's left knee disorder is being reviewed again for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of prostate cancer and coronary artery bypass, as well as service connection for gout, hypertension (due to service-connected coronary artery bypass), a left knee disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are all remanded due to the need for additional evidence.,Service connection for PTSD is also remanded because there has not been a proper C&P exam.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional information regarding his occupational history.

The Veteran's use of a right knee brace caused abnormal wear and tear on his clothing, meeting the eligibility requirements for a clothing allowance in 2017.

The Veteran's cold injury residuals of the bilateral feet have been granted service connection.,From October 1, 2013 to June 4, 2019, the Veteran's postoperative right knee disability was rated at 40 percent. After this period, a separate rating for instability and a TDIU were also granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination reports and failure to consider functional loss in determining the appropriate rating for the Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's left knee instability and medial collateral ligament tear with meniscal tear are granted a separate rating of 10 percent, effective December 22, 2011. The claim for an increased rating is denied. TDIU based on service-connected disabilities is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical opinions to determine if a right knee disorder is related to service.

The Board has ordered remand for additional examinations and opinions regarding the Veteran's service connection claims for left knee and hip conditions, as well as increased disability ratings for his right knee. The issues include determining if these conditions are secondary to his right knee disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, lung disability, heart disability, as well as upper and lower extremity peripheral neuropathies. The claims are based on direct evidence of a relationship between the conditions and service.

The Board has remanded multiple issues for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination, and requesting an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings of right knee and right ankle disabilities due to insufficient information from previous VA examinations. The Veteran's service-connected conditions include degenerative joint disease in both knees and one ankle.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the post-operative arthroscopic left knee scar, finding that it is painful and meets the criteria under Diagnostic Code 7804. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under other applicable diagnostic codes.