Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's fracture right tibia and fibula with knee disability is granted a rating of 30 percent, effective from the date of the decision. A separate rating for limitation of extension of the right leg is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his left knee conditions have been denied as the evidence does not show that his disabilities meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's left knee strain with tendonitis and degenerative arthritis has been rated at 10 percent, while his chronic left ankle sprain with internal derangement is rated at 20 percent. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right knee disorder and low back disorder.,The Veteran’s right knee condition was found to be unrelated to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to failure of VA examinations. The AOJ must make reasonable efforts to accommodate the Veteran with respect to his current confinement and reschedule the requested VA examinations.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance or housebound is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The VA contract examination of the left knee was not associated with the claims file until after the decision on appeal, which could affect the rating assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative changes, both menisci, left knee and residuals of a right knee injury with chondromalacia patella with arthritis have been denied staged initial ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings.

The Veteran's bronchial asthma is granted a 60 percent rating, effective December 28, 2012. The right knee meniscal tear is granted a 20 percent rating.

The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left knee strain, finding that the Veteran's range of motion did not warrant a higher rating based on her symptoms and examination findings.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the initial ratings and evaluations of his left knee disabilities prior to November 19, 2015.

The application to reopen the previously denied claim of service connection for a neck disability was granted.,Service connection for tinnitus is granted, with the effective date being determined based on when entitlement arose.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional VA treatment records, specifically those from September 2013 and September 2015.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ankle and left knee disabilities have been denied throughout the appellate period. The Board found that the severity of the left ankle disability did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, while the left knee disability was rated as noncompensable.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for left and right knee conditions, finding that there was no evidence linking his current diagnoses to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis for his claimed left elbow, left knee, and right knee disorders. As such, these claims are denied.,The Veteran's skin disorder, bilateral eye disorder, left and right shoulder disorders, and right elbow disorder were also remanded as there is insufficient evidence to determine their etiology.

The Board has remanded two cases involving the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities for further examination and clarification of his claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a sleep disorder, thyroid condition, left knee condition, and hypertension due to unclear opinions regarding presumed herbicide exposure. The Veteran's left knee condition is also being remanded for a new opinion.

The Veteran's autoimmune disorder and bilateral knee degenerative arthritis are granted service connection. The Board found that the Veteran had symptoms of an autoimmune disorder during service, which is considered direct service connection. The bilateral knee arthritis was also found to be aggravated by the service-connected autoimmune disorder.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2, diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities, and residuals of wounds to the left buttocks, left ankle, and left knee as there was no evidence of these conditions during or proximate to the appeal period.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, thus the claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder, but denied service connection for right knee and ankle disorders. The appeal regarding the right shoulder disorder is being remanded.,Service connection was granted for a low back disorder due to superimposed injury on a congenital defect of spina bifida occulta.