Knee decisions — 2020

The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a left knee disorder due to insufficient medical opinions and new evidence is needed.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by pain and limited range of motion (flexion to 50 degrees), is rated at a 10 percent since January 4, 2007. The rating remains unchanged until July 13, 2011, when it was increased to 10 percent.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disorder.,The Veteran's hypertension is being remanded because the VA examiner did not address the possible association between his service-connected hypothyroidism and his hypertension.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is being remanded due to inadequate medical opinions regarding whether it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected hypothyroidism.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations conducted were inadequate and requires additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. DeHaan and VA records from 1999 to 2002.

The Board has remanded four issues: service connection for a left knee disability, hypertension, sleep apnea, and a respiratory disability other than sleep apnea. The Veteran's varicose veins are the basis for these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of whether the left knee condition is secondary to the service-connected right knee disability. A new VA examination and opinion are needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, to include as secondary to his service-connected left achilles tendonitis. The case is being returned for further development and consideration of the etiology of the Veteran’s left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the right knee issues, including a VA examination and consideration of whether temporary total disability ratings or TDIU are warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a soft tissue right leg injury and a right knee disorder, diagnosed as osteoarthritis. The entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder is remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected left wrist and left knee disabilities. The Veteran is also entitled to a new rating decision based on the updated examination results.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, a right eye disability (specifically cataracts), and hay fever and allergies. The claims were based on direct evidence of the conditions' onset during or shortly after service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered her unable to secure or maintain gainful employment as of August 31, 2006. The Board granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis from that date.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate examinations and incomplete review of service records.

The Veteran is granted a disability rating of 10 percent for each knee throughout the period on appeal, effective from March 18, 2014. The Veteran's back disability remains at 20 percent.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and right shoulder disability, finding that there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is being remanded for further development.,Service connection for the Veteran's right knee disorder and neurologic disorders of both lower extremities are also being remanded.

The Board denied requests for earlier effective dates for service connection of left knee disability, lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathies. The claims were not filed within one year after discharge from active duty.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is rated at 20 percent effective July 1, 2014. The right knee osteoarthritis remains rated at 10 percent prior to July 1, 2014 and the Appellant has appealed for a higher rating. Service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II was denied. TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional examinations and development to determine the appropriate disability ratings for his left knee conditions, including instability and limited motion. His TDIU claim is also remanded due to its interdependence with the rating issues.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records.