Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for DJD of the right knee, instability, and chondromalacia with a meniscal tear is granted. The current rating for DJD remains at 10 percent prior to May 11, 2017 and increases to 30 percent thereafter. A separate 20 percent rating is assigned for instability from March 31, 2009 onwards.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a new examination to assess current functional impairment.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in previous opinions and a need for further examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability, specifically whether it is caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability and right knee disability, including as secondary to the left knee disability. The Veteran's claims were based on DJD in both knees, which was not shown as chronic in service or within the applicable presumptive period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability and an increased rating for his right ankle disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service. The Veteran's current disabilities were found not to warrant higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the issues of rating excess 10 percent for right and left knee chondromalacia, as well as entitlement to a separate noncompensable rating for right knee limited flexion.

The Veteran's right knee instability and surgical scar are rated at 20 percent, with a separate rating for the instability. The claim is granted.

The Board has granted a temporary total rating for immobilization of the Veteran’s right ankle. The case is remanded for further development regarding the left knee disability.

The Veteran's right knee laxity and major depressive disorder have been rated based on their current severity, with no changes in ratings.,The Veteran’s left shoulder scar, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, and TDIU prior to November 28, 2018 are being remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations, incomplete service records, and the need for additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination. The issues include right hip disability, related knee and ankle conditions, depression and anxiety secondary to the hip condition, and IBS secondary to the hip condition.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the Board has remanded for further evaluation of his back disability. The TDIU claim was denied as the Veteran maintains employment.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for neck disorder, right knee disorder, Peyronie’s Disease, and erectile dysfunction due to incomplete information about the Veteran's duty status during his Reserve service. Additional medical opinions are needed based on accurate factual premises.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee condition, finding that the Veteran's preexisting left knee condition was not aggravated by his active service.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding no current disability and insufficient evidence linking the symptoms to service or a service-connected condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee strain, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and an in-service injury. The preponderance of medical evidence did not support the Veteran's assertion of continuous pain since his in-service injury.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been rated at 10 percent each, but the Board has remanded for further evaluation due to issues with service connection. The Veteran is also seeking service connection for back pain, high blood pressure, and gout.

The Board has granted service connection on a secondary basis for bilateral plantar fasciitis, left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, and obstructive sleep apnea as they are found to be at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to a lack of adequate opinion in the VA examination report.

The Board denied increased ratings for bilateral knee disabilities and bilateral plantar fasciitis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent. The decision also denied entitlement to compensable ratings for hallux valgus of both feet.