Knee decisions — 2021

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20% effective November 21, 2019. The previous rating of 10% prior to that date is being discontinued.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for a service-connected left knee disability was denied. The Veteran also had claims for instability of the left knee and separate ratings, but these were not addressed as they are considered part of the main issue.

The Board has dismissed all issues on appeal due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Board dismissed the appeal for a left knee disability.,The Veteran's claim of service connection for a low back disability was granted, with evidence indicating that his condition likely began during active duty and was aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a right elbow disability was granted. However, the underlying claim for service connection is denied. The claims for increased ratings for knee instability and arthritis are remanded.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for various conditions due to potential changes in the Veteran's character of discharge from his period of service. The appeal is not about a presumption, exposure basis, or new and material evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability caused his fall resulting in a right tibia fracture. The VA examiner is requested to provide an opinion on this issue.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that they did not render him unemployable at any point during the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee conditions, as well as headaches, have been reopened. Service connection has been granted for these conditions.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss is remanded to determine the current severity of the condition.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the left and right knees, finding that these conditions are related to injuries sustained during active military service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right knee disability due to insufficient VA examination reflecting his functional limitations prior to October 7, 2009. The case is also remanded for an increased rating claim.

The Board has remanded the claims for right knee injury and COPD due to inadequate compliance with prior remand directives. Additional development is required, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a clinician that addresses conflicting medical evidence of record and the Veteran's lay contentions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the right knee disability is secondary to a service-connected left knee disability. The Veteran needs an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Board denied service connection for a right ear disorder, left knee disorder, right knee disorder, left ankle disorder, and right ankle disorder. Service connection was granted for acid reflux disease (GERD).,Service connection for a low back disorder remains denied.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is being remanded for a new VA examination to determine if it was caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to the need for additional VA examinations and records, including potential VA treatment records and private treatment records from Mississippi Vision and Jackson-Hinds Comprehensive Health Center.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right and left knee conditions as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board denied an increased rating for right knee disability and remanded the claim, but ultimately determined that a higher rating than 10 percent was not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities were denied increased ratings prior to January 7, 2014.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) at the 's' rate due to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder unspecified depression, which causes him to be likely precluded from substantial and gainful employment.