Knee decisions — 2020

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following any substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and left knee disability have been granted service connection. The Veteran is also awarded a 10 percent evaluation for her left knee instability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for separate ratings for neurologic abnormalities associated with his service-connected cervical and thoracic spine disabilities, finding that there are no neurological abnormalities associated with these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination regarding the Veteran's right knee disability and its relationship to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for updated VA medical records, new examinations, and additional information regarding his employment.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, sleep apnea, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain his service personnel records.

The Veteran's right knee disabilities have been rated at 10 percent for instability and strain, and 20 percent for limitation of extension. The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the limitation of extension throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, bilateral tinnitus, right and left knee disabilities, and sleep condition (PTSD-related). The claim for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since February 18, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for bone cancer, throat disability, and left knee disability. The claims were evaluated based on direct evidence rather than presumptive exposure to herbicide agents.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his service-connected back, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The case will be remanded to allow for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of his bilateral foot disability, and denied his claims for service connection of his bilateral shoulder, hand and finger, neck, left elbow, and knee disabilities. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a sleep disturbance/insomnia.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected retropatellar pain syndrome of the left knee was denied as her disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requests that the Veteran provide information about his treatment providers and outstanding VA medical records. The claims will be reconsidered based on all evidence of record.

The Board has remanded several issues for further development and examination, including service connection claims for various conditions. The Veteran's hearing loss claim is pending due to incomplete records from his first period of service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for erectile dysfunction, right knee disability, and left knee disability due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between his current disabilities and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and a left knee disability are remanded due to incomplete service records, unverified in-service stressor, and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's service connection claim for TBI, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder is granted. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of current disability related to service and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's right knee disability has resulted in chronic residuals such as severe weakness, which required the use of a cane or walker. The Board finds that entitlement to a higher 60 percent rating for status post total right knee replacement is warranted from August 25, 2010.