Knee decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The matter is again before the Board.

The appeals regarding service connection for left knee and hip disabilities as secondary to right knee disability, along with rating claims for the right knee, have been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's low back disability was rated as 10 percent prior to June 10, 2019 and 20 percent from that date. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated as 20 percent since June 10, 2019.,Left knee strain was not granted a higher initial rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disability is related to his in-service injuries, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities not meeting the schedular requirements for TDIU, and his employment in a protected work environment.

The Board denied a compensable disability rating for the Veteran's right knee scar, finding that there were no other disabling effects not considered in ratings provided under Diagnostic Codes 7800-04.

The Board has remanded the claims for a low back condition, right knee conditions, and left knee conditions due to inadequate reasoning in the August 2016 VA examination. The case is returned to secure an addendum opinion that addresses whether the claimed conditions preexisted service or were aggravated by service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence supports a finding of in-service injury and current disability.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right knee dislocated semilunar cartilage was denied. Separate ratings of 10 percent were granted for painful limitation of flexion and slight instability.

The Veteran's right knee instability and osteochondritis dissecans prior to June 23, 2017 do not warrant a rating higher than the current 10 percent ratings.,For the period prior to June 23, 2017, the Veteran’s right knee disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under Codes 5260 and 5261.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to issues related to service connection for right hip and knee disabilities, as well as an increased evaluation for a cervical spine disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly assess the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and determine appropriate disability ratings. The claims are being remanded for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a lack of retrospective opinion and proper consideration of flare-ups during the appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his knee disabilities and hearing loss has been remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to service connection for left and right knee conditions, as they are related to the Veteran's reported in-service fall or strenuous activities performed as a motor vehicle operator. The AOJ is instructed to obtain an addendum opinion regarding these issues.

The Veteran's service connection claims for cervical spine degenerative changes, low back spasm/strain, and right knee patellofemoral syndrome have been granted. The claim for a disability claimed as joint arthritis other than the cervical spine, low back, and right knee is denied. The rating for PTSD remains at 70 percent.

The Veteran's coronary artery disease was granted a 100% rating from February 18, 2013 to June 25, 2015. The claims for increased ratings of his right and left knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a lumbar spine disability and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left knee, finding no evidence to support these claims.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating greater than 10 percent for tinea pedis with onychomycosis was denied as the condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under either the former or amended regulations.,Service connection for a low back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability were all denied. The Veteran did not have a current diagnosed low back disability, nor did he have evidence of arthritis within one year following discharge from active service.

The Veteran's left knee DJD is rated at 10 percent, effective April 30, 2010. A separate 10 percent rating for left knee instability is granted from the same date.