Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's claim for an additional dependency allowance was dismissed as moot because the RO corrected its previous decision and awarded benefits effective September 21, 2018.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including herniated disc at C5-6 with neck trauma, radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, GERD, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress and alcohol use disorder, effective from April 2, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for right knee disability, right lower extremity sciatica, left lower extremity sciatica, and bottom teeth.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities. The Veteran was not provided with a VA examination to determine if his current knee conditions are related to in-service events, and this must be done before final adjudication.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, finding that his arthritis did not manifest in service and is not attributable to service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a link between the Veteran's current disabilities and his military service.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral ankle, knee, and hip disorders as there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or any other compensable period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's May 2017 substantive appeal was not timely filed, and thus, the appeals for earlier effective dates are dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for low back, left knee, and bilateral foot disabilities due to incomplete VA examinations. The Veteran is required to provide information about his treatment and release records from health care providers.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral knee and back disabilities due to a failure to comply with previous directives. The case is now back before the Board.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her lumbar spine disability and service connection for bilateral knee disabilities due to outstanding records and additional evidentiary development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation of how the Veteran's joint pain is related to a distinct disorder, and for further clarification.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for varicose veins of the left leg, effective throughout the appeal period. The Veteran's left knee disability is also remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right knee and right hip disabilities due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran will need new VA examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis and instability were not rated higher than 10 percent prior to May 26, 2015.,The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis and instability were not rated higher than 10 percent at any time during the period on appeal.

The Board has remanded three issues related to service connection for knee disabilities and left arm neuropathy due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee strain and right knee strain as they are currently rated at 10 percent, requesting additional VA treatment records to support his claim.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU, and there is no evidence of an extraschedular TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum medical opinion to consider the Veteran's reported limitations of motion during flare-ups and with repetitive use over time.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's left knee disability, specifically status post medial meniscectomy. A separate 20 percent rating is granted for left knee cartilage, semilunar, dislocated with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle disability, presumed secondary to his right ankle and right knee disabilities as well as asthma, should be remanded for further development.