Knee decisions — 2021

The Veteran's right and left knee arthritis are currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board found that they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there was no limitation of extension or flexion to 45 degrees, ankylosis, instability, subluxation, or other conditions warranting additional ratings. The Veteran's symptoms were considered in determining the appropriate disability rating.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left knee, lumbar spine, and cervical strain disabilities due to their secondary nature to his service-connected right knee disability. The VA will obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient examination reports, particularly regarding the severity of his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure to consider combined effects of service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded for a VA examination of his right knee disability, and another VA examination or opinion regarding the combined effects of his impairments.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection of a left knee disability. The Veteran's left knee disorder is found to be as likely as not caused by his service-connected right knee disability, thus granting service connection on a secondary basis.

The Board has found that a 30 percent rating is warranted for each knee, but the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities may warrant higher ratings. The issues of increased ratings and eligibility for special monthly compensation are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right knee arthritis and cartilage loss from June 1, 2005 is dismissed. The earlier effective date claims for increased hearing loss and SMC based on hearing loss are denied. The claim for an earlier effective date for tinnitus service connection is also denied.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as well as to obtain additional medical records. The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss, left knee disability, cervical spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, functional dyspepsia, and right knee disability are still pending.

The Veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as internal derangement with degenerative changes, is rated at 10 percent. A separate 10 percent rating for instability of the left knee is granted.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional examinations and opinions due to inadequate VA examination reports. The claims of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia of the right knee and left knee from December 23, 2005 are being reviewed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various knee and back disabilities have been denied. The lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right knee degenerative arthritis, and left knee degenerative arthritis are all rated as they currently stand.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and left leg amputation, have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on the combined rating of his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a right knee disability, left knee disability, bilateral pes planus, back disability, and skin disability (eczema).,Further examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's initial rating appeals for left and right knee sprains, painful extension, and instability were denied. The Veteran's prostate disorder, kidney disorder, and foot disability claims are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back, right hip, and left knee disorders due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee iliotibial band syndrome and right knee patellar tendonitis have been denied as his knee flexion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5260.

The Veteran's patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee and right elbow epicondylitis were granted service connection. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, and right achilles tendonitis with spurs and arthritis claims were denied. The Veteran's service connection for bronchitis and chronic sinusitis claims are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a lack of clarity in the previous decision and the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for left knee disability due to new and material evidence. However, additional development is needed as the Veteran needs a VA examination to determine the current severity of his right knee arthritis post-replacement surgery and whether his left knee condition is related to service or aggravated by his service-connected right knee condition.