Knee decisions — 2021

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for major depressive disorder was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for TDIU was granted due to the combined effect of multiple service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee replacement has been rated at 60 percent, effective from the date of the January 2019 rating decision. The rating is based on chronic residuals including severe painful motion and weakness.

The Board has granted earlier effective dates of January 26, 2000 for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis, right knee strain with degenerative arthritis, left knee strain with degenerative arthritis, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for migraines was denied due to failure to report for the scheduled examination.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for total occupational and social impairment.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent beginning October 1, 2017. The claim for a higher rating in excess of 60 percent has been denied. TDIU was granted beginning October 1, 2017.

The Veteran's increased evaluation for left knee replacement is denied, and a separate evaluation for left knee instability is also denied as it is precluded by the maximum rating of 60 percent.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection or disability ratings have been dismissed as she has withdrawn her appeal in its entirety.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate reasoning in its previous decision regarding service connection for right and left knee conditions. The Veteran's claims are being sent back for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his postoperative right wrist disability is denied. The claims for service connection for TMJ and left knee exostosis are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to lack of substantial compliance with previous directives, and the Veteran needs an appropriate VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims have been remanded due to the complexity of his medical conditions, including CAD, tinnitus, hearing loss, GERD, kidney disease, claudication, and knee condition. The appeals are currently pending.

The Board has denied service connection for asthma, anosmia, and bilateral hearing loss as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions began during active service or are otherwise related to an in-service injury. Service connection for bilateral knee condition and bilateral foot condition was also denied due to lack of evidence supporting their onset during service.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete service treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions. The Veteran's left knee condition and sleep disorder claims are being reviewed again.

Entitlement to TDIU is granted from September 10, to November 20, 2012, and as of July 3, 2014. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment during these periods.,TDIU was denied prior to August 31, 2011, due to the Veteran's full-time employment at that time.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right knee and lumbar spine disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions in the previous examinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability is reopened, but the case is remanded due to missing VA treatment records and the need for an opinion on whether his disability is related to service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and SSA records. The TDIU claim is also referred to the Director, Compensation Service for consideration prior to October 19, 2017.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle and right knee disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The RO is instructed to obtain additional VA opinions addressing the Veteran's reported in-service injuries and provide a memorandum detailing his periods of active military service.

The Veteran's left knee sprain with meniscal tear and instability are both rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations, with no higher rating granted.