Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU is dismissed because he has a total schedular rating for his service-connected disabilities. The appeal for SMC under the housebound or aid and attendance criteria is also dismissed as there are no conditions that meet the requirements for these benefits.

The Veteran's service-connected right hip tendonitis is currently rated at 10 percent prior to November 8, 2019, and at 20 percent thereafter. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for this condition.,For his service-connected right knee retropatellar pain syndrome and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome, the Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent each. The Board determined that these disabilities are not more disabling than their current ratings.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, including osteoarthritis, are found to be at least as likely as not caused by injuries sustained during his periods of active service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran is granted a 20 percent rating for his right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome from March 9, 2018. Prior to this date, the conditions were not rated higher.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the lower back, right hand, left hand, right shoulder, right knee, and left knee as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete development and for consideration of a private vocational assessment. The issues include service connection for a left knee disorder, as well as effective date determinations for TDIU and DEA benefits.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee conditions, finding insufficient evidence to establish a nexus between his current disabilities and military service.

The Veteran's left knee disability was granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent from May 14, 2010 to June 25, 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disorder due to conflicting findings and lack of documentation. The case is being further developed to reconcile these issues.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeal due to an error in interpreting his intention, denying him due process. The claim for service connection for a right knee disability was denied as there is no direct or presumptive evidence linking the condition to service.

The Board denied service connection for left knee strain as the Veteran's preexisting condition did not worsen during his military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to inadequate VA examinations and conflicting opinions regarding the Veteran's scars.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The issues of service connection and increased ratings remain pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating increases due to his various conditions, including gout, low back issues, knee problems, achilles tendonitis, diabetes, blood pressure disorders, left Achilles condition, heart condition, sinusitis, and GERD. The Veteran will need to undergo additional examinations and obtain addendum medical opinions regarding his mental health, left Achilles condition, diabetes, sinusitis, blood pressure disorder, and heart disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of motion, and his cervical spine condition is rated at 20 percent. Both conditions are denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran’s right knee has been rated based on limitation of flexion, with no compensable extension limitation. His cervical spine condition is currently rated based on forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less.

The appeal for service connection of bronchitis is dismissed. The appeals for PTSD, left knee strain, and sleep apnea are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to missing service treatment records and inadequate VA examination opinions. The Veteran's claims of bilateral knee condition, low back condition, and diaphragm injury are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's service-connected adjustment disorder, back disability, left knee disability, and tinnitus have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since July 25, 2012. The Board has granted the TDIU from that date.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for sensory nerve dysfunction of the right knee, but not higher. The Veteran's condition results in marked interference with employment.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis is rated at 10 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of additional functional impairment warranting a higher rating.,The Veteran does not have current right upper or lower extremity peripheral neuropathy and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied.