Knee decisions — 2023

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as he had a substantially gainful employment prior to October 29, 2015 and the evidence does not substantiate a reasonable possibility that he was unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the reduction of ratings for left and right knee subluxation was improper, and the original ratings are restored. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings remain pending and require further examination to determine current disability levels.

The Veteran's bilateral knee and lumbar spine conditions are granted as service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee, left knee, right hip, and left hip disabilities, attributing them to the Veteran's parachute jumping activities during his military service.

The Veteran's left thumb scars are rated at 0 percent and right knee painful scars are rated at 10 percent, both under Diagnostic Code 7804. The Board finds that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,There is no service connection theory specified in this decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including COPD and multiple joint and back conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment since June 23, 2013. The Board has granted a TDIU for this period.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disability due to lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or disease that caused his current condition.

The Veteran's hypertension and right knee disorder are granted as secondary to service-connected conditions. The left knee disability is granted at a 10% rating for limited extension, and a 20% rating for moderate instability.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 20 percent each for the Veteran's service-connected right and left knee lateral and collateral ligament laxity, effective from November 21, 2006.

The Board has remanded several issues for additional development, including service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and increased evaluations for right knee and back disabilities.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, including right and left knee instability, are currently rated at 10 percent each. The Board has remanded the case for further development to determine if higher ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been granted increased ratings, effective February 1, 2007. The Veteran is now rated at the maximum disability level for each knee under Diagnostic Codes 5010-5261 and 5257.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, vision loss (claimed as vision loss), left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, and a condition manifested by a sore throat.,There is no evidence to support the Veteran's claims of service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for LEFT knee disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, and residuals of a staph infection due to incomplete records and need for further development.

The Veteran's left achilles tendonitis is granted a 20 percent rating, but no higher. The Board also grants the Veteran a TDIU from March 20, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his right knee patellar tendonitis is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the VA examination report. A new examination is needed to ensure proper range of motion testing and symptomatology assessment.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings and TDIU prior to June 2, 2014 due to inadequate examinations conducted during flare-ups or after repetition over time. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to address his knee and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including chondromalacia and medial meniscectomy post total knee replacement, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board denied a higher rating as the evidence does not show more than intermediate degrees of pain, weakness, or limitation of motion.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to failure to follow previous directives and insufficient medical opinions. The Veteran's left knee disability is being reviewed again for a proper medical opinion.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder is caused or aggravated by her service-connected PTSD. The right knee disability may be due to the Veteran's in-service motor vehicle accidents and wear and tear from physical activity, but it could also be related to her cervical and lumbar spine disabilities.