Knee decisions — 2020

The Board has restored the Veteran's previous ratings for left knee strain (limitation of extension) and right and left knee strains (limitation of flexion), effective October 8, 2018.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability, is rated at 10 percent. A separate 10 percent rating for instability is granted. The Veteran also receives a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and TDIU prior to November 23, 2012. The evidence did not establish that his current disabilities were related to his active duty service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's service-connected knee and back disabilities, as well as his TDIU claim. The claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to additional development being necessary, including obtaining treatment records and providing a VA medical opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD rated at 50%, resulted in a combined rating of 90% from October 13, 2016 to October 13, 2017. The Board granted a TDIU rating for this period based on the severity and cumulative effect of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including limited motion and instability, is rated at a 10 percent evaluation. A temporary evaluation of 100 percent based on convalescence following surgery is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate examination and a need for additional information regarding the Veteran's reports of taking over-the-counter medication after discharge.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, diagnosed as bipolar I disorder, was granted. The claims for cyst formation on the testicles and right foot pes planus were denied. Service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and hypertension are pending and will be remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. Additional development is required, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for new VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected TBI has been granted a 50 percent rating, and he is also granted a separate 10 percent rating for right knee instability. The Veteran was also granted total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and private medical records.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been rated based on limited flexion, with separate ratings for limited extension. A TDIU has also been granted throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and to obtain medical opinions regarding the appellant's diagnosed knee disabilities, including whether they are related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that any current disabilities are related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for hypertension and a right knee disability due to inadequate medical opinions. The case will be returned for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left knee degenerative joint disease and a 20% rating for left shoulder impingement syndrome beginning December 6, 2010 is granted. The claim for service connection for hematuria is denied.

The Board has found that a remand is necessary for the Veteran's claims due to lack of substantial compliance with prior Board remand directives. The Veteran's bilateral knee condition and Sjögren's Syndrome, including Sicca Syndrome, are related to her exposure to hazardous fumes from burn pits during service in Southwest Asia.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee, right leg, and back disabilities due to new evidence submitted since the final decisions. The claims are now pending for further adjudication.