Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent for limitation of motion, and instability. A separate rating for symptomatic removal of the semilunar cartilage has been granted.,The Veteran's left knee disability was previously rated based on limitation of motion, but a separate rating for symptomatic removal of the semilunar cartilage is now in effect.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis B, right hip disorder, lumbar spine disorder, left shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, and bilateral knee disorder have all been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability in any of these conditions.,Service connection was not granted as the Veteran did not meet the criteria for presumptive service connection due to lack of diagnosis or manifestation within one year after discharge.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for her left knee disability is denied. She currently receives a 60% evaluation for status post total left knee replacement, effective February 1, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for DDD at L5-S1 and left knee disability, as well as the associated radiculopathy of the lower extremities, have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's right knee DJD was granted a 20 percent disability rating for the period prior to November 11, 2019. For the period beginning on November 11, 2019, his right knee DJD is rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were denied. The initial compensable rating for hearing loss in the left ear was denied, as did the claim for an increased disability rating for major depressive disorder during a specific period. The issues of service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and surgical scars from left knee arthroscopic surgery had earlier effective dates.

The Board denied service connection for various joint disorders, including those allegedly due to herbicide exposure. The evidence did not support a finding of actual or presumptive exposure.

The Board denied service connection for left hip, lumbar spine, and right knee disorders as they are not shown to be causally or etiologically related to any disease, injury, or incident in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for grade 2 chondromalacia lateral femoral condyle left knee status post arthroscopy is granted. The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable disability rating prior to September 6, 2016 and in excess of 10 percent thereafter for internal derangement right knee medial meniscus status post arthroscopy with partial synovectomy and plica excision is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disorders, finding that the current conditions were not present until years after service and are not etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records, specifically from Cleveland VAMC. The claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is also being remanded as part of these issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between his current knee disabilities and his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran experienced 'continuous' symptoms of arthritis since service separation.,Service connection was also remanded for hypertension due to herbicide exposure or secondary to diabetes mellitus type II.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and erectile dysfunction, as well as his claim for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ. The Board found that there is no evidence to support a causal relationship between these conditions and active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease is related to service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for compartment syndrome with degenerative arthritis, left knee. The appeals are now pending before VA for further examination and medical opinion.

The Board denied an extraschedular rating for the right knee prior to June 14, 2011 and a TDIU effective date prior to that date.,The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment due solely to his disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis and denied service connection for obstructive sleep apnea. Bilateral knee osteoarthritis is considered to have manifested within one year of the Veteran's separation from active duty in February 2004, while obstructive sleep apnea was not incurred or related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including pulmonary hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and multiple joint issues, render him in need of regular aid and assistance due to his inability to perform daily activities without help. SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board denied an increased rating for left knee strain and left ankle disability, finding the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.