Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional clarification regarding his service-connected conditions and their current severity.

The Veteran's right knee condition is rated at 10 percent, but a separate rating of 20 percent for dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of pain, locking, and effusion into the joint due to service-connected right knee condition has been granted.,The Veteran’s right knee condition does not meet criteria for higher ratings under other applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's left knee disability with effusion is granted a separate rating of 20 percent effective January 5, 2010.,Prior to October 31, 2011, the criteria for TDIU were not met.

The Board has denied service connection for left knee and left eye disabilities, finding that the current conditions are not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a bilateral foot condition, including pes planus, hammer toes, and bunions and calluses, has been reopened due to the submission of new evidence. The right knee condition continues to meet criteria for a 10 percent disability rating, but the left knee condition does not meet criteria for an increased rating.,The Veteran's service-connected right knee condition does not warrant a higher than 10 percent disability rating as it does not manifest ankylosis or significant instability. The left knee condition also does not warrant a higher than 10 percent disability rating due to the absence of ankylosis, subluxation, or lateral instability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been dismissed due to their death.

The Board has dismissed all the Veteran's claims for service connection as they are not related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have precluded him from securing or following substantially gainful employment since September 28, 2003. The TDIU and DEA benefits are granted effective from that date.

The Veteran's rating for rheumatoid arthritis was restored to 40 percent, effective July 1, 2015. A 60 percent evaluation is granted for his service-connected left knee traumatic arthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection and effective date are remanded, while other issues have been dismissed or denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various disabilities of the back, hips, thighs, and right knee was reopened due to new and material evidence. The claims were subsequently granted as the evidence supports that these conditions are related to his military service and/or service-connected pes planus.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to incomplete records and the need for further development, including obtaining additional private medical records from VCU/MCV.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence and needs further examination for both ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, lumbar strain/myositis, and left knee condition.

The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand instructions and thus, the claims for service connection of right shoulder, right knee, and neck conditions are being returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities, including any functional loss due to flare-ups.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar disc disease and right knee patellar tendonitis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service trauma from IED blasts and carrying heavy equipment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to issues with his right foot deformity and its impact on his right knee disability. The decision is pending further examination and review.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and requests for authorization of private treatment records related to the Veteran's left knee disability. The issue of TDIU is not before the Board.

The Veteran's left knee disability, which includes a history of meniscectomy and current symptoms such as pain and effusion, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral foot disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, and acquired psychiatric disorder have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of aggravation of pre-existing conditions or causation during service.