Knee decisions — 2021

The Veteran's right knee instability and degenerative changes have not met the criteria for a higher disability rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU rating, and there is no evidence to support an extraschedular TDIU rating due to her ability to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has denied service connection for various disabilities, including right lower extremity radiculopathy, left leg disability, right leg disability, arthritis, tendonitis, neck disability, left shoulder disability, right shoulder disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The decision also notes that the Veteran's right knee disability is not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA vocational rehabilitation records and treatment records from Camp Lejeune Naval Hospital. The Veteran also needs an addendum opinion regarding his bilateral shoulder and knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for entitlement to increased ratings for left knee disability and service connection for a low back disability due to new evidence and need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling additional VA examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected left knee, left shoulder, and right shoulder disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for osteoarthritis of the right and left knees, as well as his TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional development including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right and left knee disabilities have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of the conditions.

The Veteran's hypertension and glaucoma are not service-connected.,Right and left lower extremity varicose veins have been rated as 40 percent disabling, but the Veteran is seeking higher ratings. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 40 percent is not warranted at this time.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction may be related to Gulf War exposures, but further clarification is needed from an appropriate clinician.,Left and right knee strains have been rated as 10 percent disabling each, but the Veteran is seeking higher ratings. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 10 percent for both knees is not warranted at this time.,Lumbar spine degenerative joint disease has been rated as 20 percent disabling, but the Veteran is seeking a higher rating. The Board finds that a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted at this time.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's right knee disability is being reviewed due to a recent injury, but no relevant records are in the file as of now.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral ankle, knee, and low back conditions due to inadequate VA examination opinions. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability and an acquired psychiatric condition are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, as he is capable of sedentary work.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to conflicting findings regarding the results of the 1971 VA surgical procedures and a need for further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for neck, right knee, left knee, sleep disorder (including insomnia), bilateral foot, bilateral eye, right shoulder, left shoulder, low back, and upper back disorders due to inadequate examination opinions. The claims are being returned for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral syndrome of the left and right knees due to inadequate examination findings. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is also being remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the knee issues.

The Veteran's right knee meniscectomy is rated at the maximum allowed, and his limitation of flexion and extension are also rated. No further ratings are allowed by law as of June 13, 2018.