Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left knee ligament injury was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to slight recurrent subluxation or lateral instability.,The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent from December 3, 2019 for chondromalacia with osteoarthrosis of the left knee was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to symptoms related to pain and decreased mobility.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not show a significant abnormal gait favoring the right knee and lacked medical training to provide a nexus opinion.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it has not resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 60 degrees or less, a combined range of motion to 120 degrees or less, ankylosis, or abnormal gait or spinal contour.,The Veteran's residuals of cervical laminectomy do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it has not resulted in forward flexion of the cervical spine to 15 degrees or less or favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.,The Veteran's left knee injury, degenerative joint disease does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it has not resulted in dislocated semilunar cartilage, ankylosis, recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, flexion limited to at least 30 degrees, or extension limited to at least 15 degrees.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee DJD and instability were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to outstanding VA treatment records and physical therapy records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for a low back disability due to incomplete development.,No current diagnosis of a left wrist condition was found during the examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of left knee, back, and neck disabilities as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.,There is no evidence linking the Veteran’s service-connected right knee disability to his left knee, back, or neck disabilities.

Service connection for a bilateral knee disability is granted. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss remains denied, as the Veteran's current symptoms are more likely related to age rather than service. The case of bilateral ankle disabilities is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for gout of the right knee, gout of the right middle finger, and cancer (side of stomach) due to the death of the appellant.

The Board granted service connection for a lower back disability as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and denied an initial compensable rating for his left knee scar.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment. The Board finds the evidence does not establish unemployability.

The Veteran's left knee disability is not rated higher than 10 percent.,A combined rating of 20 percent for right knee disability (10% arthritis and 10% instability) has been granted.

The Veteran's back disability is characterized by forward flexion limited to 25 degrees, falls, and frequent flare-ups of pain that require prolonged bedrest. The Board has granted a rating of 50 percent for degenerative disc disease on an extraschedular basis.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection claims and total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's left knee disability, tinea pedis, and pre-cancerous colon polyps are all service-connected. The left knee disability is rated based on painful motion and instability. Tinea pedis has been granted as a separate condition. Pre-cancerous colon polyps have not met the criteria for service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased rating, service connection, and TDIU due to inconsistencies in previous examinations. The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10%.

The Board has dismissed all issues on appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of all claims.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder, right knee disorder, and GBS due to service-connected disability. The Board found that there was no evidence of chronic conditions during or within one year after service, and that any current conditions are more likely related to post-service events.