Knee decisions — 2020

The Board has denied service connection for left and right knee disorders, a right shoulder disorder, left and right ankle disorders, and a lumbar spine disorder all related to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran is not currently service connected for any disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for mixed anxiety depressive disorder has been dismissed as the full benefit sought was granted.,The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for stress fracture of the right tibia with instability and left femur and left tibia stress related phenomena have been denied. The current 20 percent ratings are deemed appropriate based on the evidence of record.,For the periods from October 1, 2012 to February 25, 2016, and April 1, 2016 to October 15, 2018, the Veteran's right knee disability was rated under DC 5003-5260. The current ratings of 10 percent are deemed appropriate based on limitation of motion.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating in excess of 10 percent for internal derangement with meniscal tear and degenerative arthritis of the right knee has been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU have been remanded due to inadequate development. The VA needs to obtain SSA records, conduct a new examination of the left knee disability, and develop the TDIU claim.

The Board has remanded the cases due to a request for information about the competency of the December 2019 VA examiners.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, right knee condition, left knee condition, and tonsil condition are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left leg stress fracture, right knee disability, and generalized arthritis have been denied. The claim for residuals of bilateral inguinal hernia has resulted in a denial with respect to the initial rating assigned but granted a non-compensable rating prior to August 21, 2009, and a 10 percent rating thereafter.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and evaluation of his knee disabilities, left ear eustachian tube dysfunction, and perforated ear drum due to inadequate development in prior decisions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues being inextricably intertwined and insufficient evidence. The case must be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development and lack of compliance with previous remands. The Veteran's left knee disability is being reviewed again for service connection, specifically whether it is related to his in-service low back disability or if it began during service.

The Board denied an effective date prior to January 23, 1998 for the award of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran was found not to be unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine disorder due to conflicting opinions on whether obesity is a substantial factor in causing his spine condition. The rating decisions for right and left knee disabilities remain unchanged.

The Board has found that the Veteran's pending VA examinations for his service-connected right knee and back disabilities must be obtained before a final decision can be made on his increased rating claims.

The Veteran's right hearing loss disability is not supported by the evidence of record.,There is no current diagnosis or treatment for a right hip disability, left hip disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, or cervical spine disability (degenerative disc disease).,The Board finds that service connection for these conditions cannot be granted as there is insufficient evidence to establish the presence of a current disability.

The Board has dismissed all claims of service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is granted on a presumptive basis due to herbicide agent exposure. The left knee disability receives a separate rating for instability, effective May 14, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an evaluation of his right knee disability and TDIU due to inadequate examination in November 2019. The Veteran needs a total right knee arthroplasty, but the current rating does not reflect this need.

The Veteran's lung disorder, claimed as lung cancer, is denied due to lack of a current diagnosis and no evidence linking it to service.,Service connection for the Veteran's dental condition for compensation purposes is denied because there is no indication that he has a compensable disability related to his military service.,Service connection for bilateral knee disability is denied as there is insufficient evidence linking the condition to service.,The Veteran's claim for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) is denied due to lack of evidence showing inability to secure or follow gainful employment.,Special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left hand and left knee conditions due to inadequate medical opinions addressing secondary causation.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left knee iliotibial band syndrome and right knee patellar tendonitis were increased to 10 percent effective January 1, 2013. The claims are being remanded due to the need for a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) with additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee, back, and left hip disabilities as well as PTSD due to insufficient evidence or examination. The Veteran's statements of in-service injuries and duties are considered.