Knee decisions — 2020

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as secondary to his service-connected diabetes mellitus. The reduction in rating for diabetes mellitus from 40 to 20 percent, effective January 1, 2018, was proper. Service connection has been established for PTSD, diabetic nephropathy, peripheral neuropathies of the sciatic and femoral nerves, prostate cancer residuals, right knee disability, left knee disability, and service-connected conditions that have not resulted in a higher rating.

The Board has granted separate ratings for a right knee meniscal tear (20%) and right knee instability (10%), but denied an increased rating for right knee DJD.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and bilateral knee and ankle conditions are not service-connected.,The Veteran's respiratory condition, cervical spine condition, and erectile dysfunction may be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are being remanded due to inadequate examinations.,The Veteran's claim for an extraschedular rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine prior to April 28, 2015 is also being remanded.

The Veteran was previously able to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to June 1, 2010. From June 1, 2010, to August 12, 2018, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented her from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment.,From August 13, 2018, the TDIU rating is moot as she has a combined 100% schedular disability rating.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for his service-connected left shoulder strain, right knee sprain, and left ankle sprain are being remanded due to inadequate VA examination reports. The VA examinations did not include estimates of the functional impact of flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA opinions and the need for a new opinion on the etiology of the Veteran's left knee condition.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee conditions do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate examination reports and inextricably intertwined issues. The Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection, and total disability based on individual unemployability (TDIU) are currently under review.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran's low back, left knee, and right shoulder disabilities are related to his service-connected right thigh shell fragment wound residuals.

The Veteran's adjustment disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected left knee arthritis.,Service connection for the left knee arthritis is granted, but a rating in excess of 10% is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including knee disabilities, CFS, rhinitis, respiratory issues, sleep apnea, and migraines. The remand requires additional medical opinions to address the relationship between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from January 1, 2011 due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional private treatment records. The Veteran's right knee disability and osteoarthritis are still under consideration.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the examination and further development is needed, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee patellofemoral syndrome, left and right lower extremity diabetic neuropathy have been denied.,A rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran’s right knee disability is not warranted due to limited flexion.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not show flexion limited to 30 degrees in either knee, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disability is at least as likely as not incurred during his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee condition, to include as secondary to his service-connected low back disability, and also denied his claim for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The Board dismissed the claims for a compensable rating for left tibia impairment and service connection for a right knee disorder due to the death of the appellant.