Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right knee strain is denied, and he is granted a separate 10 percent rating for mild instability of the service-connected right knee beginning October 31, 2017. The appeal for TDIU is remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of whether the reduction in the rating for the Veteran's postoperative right knee condition, from 20 percent to 0 percent, effective June 1, 2011, was proper and entitlement to a higher rating for the Veteran’s service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis and consequent pain, as well as his left shoulder pain and 'Parkinson’s-like' tremors, are being remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected right knee disability due to insufficient medical examination findings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and bilateral knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of in-service injury or chronic symptoms following service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for right shoulder, left knee, and right knee conditions. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began during service or were related to in-service injuries.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's pre-service knee troubles and the nature of his current knee conditions. The Veteran is asked to provide a statement detailing his history, Workers’ Compensation records are sought, and a VA examination is scheduled.

The Board denied increased ratings for left knee chondromalacia patella with instability and left knee posttraumatic arthritis, as well as right knee instability. The Veteran's claims were remanded but not fully resolved.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions to address the nature and etiology of the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disorders, bilateral knee disorders, and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is granted as service-connected. The claims for initial compensable rating for right knee osteoma, service connection for a right knee disorder other than right knee osteoma (specifically, sleep apnea), and service connection for skin disorders, headaches, and diabetes mellitus are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of an opinion on whether the left knee strain is aggravated by the right knee disability. The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee strain as secondary to his service-connected right knee condition remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee and shoulder osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected left knee disability is remanded due to the failure to reschedule a VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a right-hand disorder and a left knee disorder, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions had their onset during or are otherwise related to active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his adjustment disorder with depression and various physical conditions, prevent him from securing and maintaining gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for major depressive disorder as secondary to eczema and other service-connected disabilities due to insufficient evidence in the record.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC at the housebound rate is denied as he does not meet the criteria for a single service-connected disability rated as total and additional disabilities independently ratable at 60 percent or more.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations and other procedural issues.

The Board denied service connection for right knee arthralgia, finding that the current condition was not incurred during or related to active duty service and is not caused by or aggravated by a service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and right ankle disabilities, finding no evidence of a nexus between the current conditions and service. The Veteran's lay statements were deemed unreliable.