Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected left below the knee amputation with bursitis and low back disability have been denied. The current evaluations of 60 percent and 40 percent, respectively, are found to be appropriate.

The Veteran's right TKR is currently rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for total left and right knee replacements as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected back disability. A 40 percent rating was granted for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity effective June 16, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected psychiatric disorder, low back disability, left knee disability, and hearing loss. The RO must conduct new examinations to assess the current severity of these disabilities and issue an SOC regarding the effective dates of the awards.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and remanded the issues of initial compensable rating for pseudofolliculitis barbae and service connection for hypertension.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection, increased rating for right knee and low back disability due to outstanding private treatment records and inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his employment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of right ankle, left ankle, right knee, and left knee disabilities as secondary to his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.,There is no evidence showing that any of these disabilities were incurred or aggravated during service.

The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome is rated at a noninitial 10 percent since March 9, 2009 and denied for any higher rating from February 19, 2018.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis disability is granted a 20% rating, effective September 8, 2014. Other service connection claims are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus meeting the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted reconsideration of the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a right knee condition and ankle conditions, as well as an acquired psychiatric disability. The claims are remanded due to new evidence received after the initial denial.

The Board has granted service connection for major depressive disorder and diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities as secondary to service-connected diabetes. Service connection was denied for a low back condition and a bilateral knee condition.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, and left knee disability as they are not related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a retrospective VA medical opinion regarding the severity of the Veteran's right knee disability from February 26, 2010 to July 1, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the lack of VA treatment records and exposure information. The Board will schedule medical examinations to determine the nature and etiology of her claimed conditions.

The Veteran's right knee disability was not shown to result in severe painful motion or weakness, and he is already receiving the maximum schedular rating for his condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate examination of the left knee, and a new examination is needed.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), to include as secondary to service-connected sinus bradycardia. The left knee and shoulder disabilities are granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further action due to insufficient examination reports and new evidence submitted by the Veteran.