Knee decisions — 2021

The Veteran's TDIU was granted with an effective date of October 17, 2003. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of unemployability prior to March 16, 2011.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee conditions are rated at the minimum level, with no higher ratings granted due to lack of more severe symptoms or functional impairment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left and right knee patellofemoral syndrome are being remanded due to the inadequacy of a previous VA examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The VA examiner must consider the lay evidence of in-service injuries and continuous pain since service.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for hypertension and right knee disability due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran's hypertension may be related to herbicide agent exposure, while his right knee disability is linked to combat-related activities.

The Veteran's low back disability is granted service connection.,The initial compensable rating for chronic sinusitis with headaches is denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability and right hip arthritis are service-connected, with the right hip arthritis being at least as likely as not aggravated by his right knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for a rating of 10 percent for right knee scars prior to May 10, 2019 is granted. The claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent from May 10, 2019 is denied due to lack of evidence of three or four painful scars.

The Veteran's right knee meniscus condition is granted a separate initial rating of 20 percent, but no higher. The left and right knee disabilities are denied increased ratings.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims regarding his service-connected bilateral knee and left quadriceps disabilities, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and conducting new orthopedic examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability and its relation to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need to obtain additional records, including National Guard and Reserve personnel records, SSA records, and private medical records from Strong Memorial Hospital and Cook County Hospital.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disability prior to October 7, 2009 and a rating in excess of 30 percent as of December 1, 2010 due to insufficient VA examination reflecting the Veteran’s functional limitations.

The Veteran's low back disability and PTSD have been granted service connection. The right knee disability is being remanded for further development.,Service connection has been established for the Veteran’s low back strain, diagnosed as lumbosacral strain, due to a period of active duty training (ACDUTRA). Service connection has also been granted for her PTSD, which she claims was caused by military sexual trauma during ACDUTRA. The right knee disability is being remanded because additional evidence or clarification is needed.

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

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, kidney stones, and gastrointestinal signs and symptoms due to an undiagnosed illness are all granted. Service connection is also granted for PTSD with a rating of 70 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and amputation of the right leg below the knee as secondary to diabetes mellitus, type II due to exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to his military service.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the claims can be adjudicated. The Veteran’s VA treatment records need to be updated, and he should be provided an opportunity for a VA examination to assess his current disability levels.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right total knee replacement, left shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, right leg disability (radiculopathy), and left leg disability (radiculopathy) due to a lack of evidence showing in-service onset or relationship to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional VA examinations to determine the functional impact of flare-ups on his right ankle, left knee, right knee, and thoracolumbar spine disorders.