Knee decisions — 2020

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability that is secondary to the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the left and right knees, finding that there is a relationship between these conditions and service. The decision also acknowledges the Veteran's credible statements regarding continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for right knee disorder, hydrocele, and hypertension due to conflicting evidence regarding their onset or relationship to service.,Service connection was not granted as there is no clear evidence that any of these conditions began during active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations and unclear opinions regarding functional loss. The Veteran is also being asked to provide more information about his employment status.

The Board denied an increased rating higher than 10 percent for sprained left knee with chondromalacia, but granted a separate 10 percent rating for left knee instability.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding his right knee disorder and low back disorder.

The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the Veteran's spine, knee, and foot disabilities. The TDIU claim is also added to the appeal.

The Board has denied service connection for a left knee condition and remanded the issue of entitlement to total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Veteran's current diagnosis of left knee degenerative arthritis is not etiologically related to his active service, including as due to or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right knee disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not show that his conditions warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.,Effective dates prior to May 2019 for service connection for left and right knee instability have also been denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right knee replacement surgery has been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's migraine headaches and upper airway resistance syndrome are rated at 50% each, effective from the date of the VA examination. The Board also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 20% for dislocated semilunar cartilage and a separate 10% rating for instability prior to January 31, 2018. From March 1, 2019, the Veteran is in receipt of a 60% disability rating following total knee replacement.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the previously denied claims of service connection for a right knee disability, heart disability, and respiratory disability. However, these claims are still pending as they need further medical opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and consideration, including addressing whether his methadone use causes side effects that impact his knee symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the right shoulder disability, and the left knee disability claim was withdrawn prior to the transfer of the appeal.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for tinnitus, left knee disability, right knee disability, and bilateral great toe bunion deformity with arthritis due to incomplete verification of his service records.

The Veteran's PTSD and left knee disability were evaluated, with the ratings for PTSD denied in excess of 30 percent prior to March 28, 2017; and/or in excess of 70 percent from that date. The rating for left knee disability was granted at 10 percent prior to October 17, 2016; 20 percent from that date (first for dislocated semilunar cartilage, then 20 percent combined for symptomatic post semilunar cartilage removal and arthritis with painful motion) to March 18, 2019; and 30 percent combined (10 percent for limited extension, 10 percent for symptomatic post semilunar cartilage removal, and 10 percent for slight instability) from that date.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were not shown to be related to service, as her current conditions do not meet the criteria for a disability under VA regulations.,The Veteran's right shoulder injury was not shown to have had its onset in service or be otherwise related to service. Her current condition is also not related to service.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims of service connection for right knee disability and denied his claim for esophageal cancer. The heart disease and bilateral foot disorder claims are not reopened.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 30 percent since June 30, 2015. The appeal includes multiple issues related to service connection and remanded for further review.