Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee condition.,Service connection for COPD and asthma is granted, with the Board finding that these conditions are related to in-service exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to deficiencies in the VA examinations provided.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU, but his combined rating is 40%, which allows for referral to the Director of Compensation Services for extra-schedular consideration. The Board found that while the Veteran's disabilities cause some functional impairment and impact his ability to perform strenuous jobs, they do not preclude all substantially gainful employment based on his educational and occupational history.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated as 30 percent prior to March 15, 2010 and as 60 percent from March 15, 2010 to August 9, 2015. The low back disability is rated as 40 percent as of October 21, 2020. A separate rating of 20 percent for right lower extremity radiculopathy is granted as of October 21, 2020.

The Veteran's claims for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for GERD, service connection for a back disorder, and service connection for bilateral knee disorders were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting these claims.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of left and right knee conditions, as secondary to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his bilateral knee disabilities, including instability and total replacements.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic urticaria and degenerative joint disease of the left knee are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disability and neurological disability of the bilateral lower extremities due to service connection. The AOJ is required to secure addendum opinions addressing the Veteran's theories of exposure, including his in-service complaints of leg cramping in cold weather.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for left and right knee arthritis as additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records and conducting a physical examination.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right and left knee disabilities, left great toe disability, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), unspecified residuals of a car accident, right hip disability, left shoulder disability, congestive heart failure, and residuals of cat scratch fever have been granted. The claim for dental disability for compensation purposes remains denied.

The Veteran's right knee instability rating was reduced from 10% to 30%, effective December 21, 2015. The left knee extension limitation and instability ratings were granted at 40%. The Veteran's Wolff-Parkinson White syndrome increased rating claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to a lack of service treatment records, but with testimony indicating an in-service injury. A medical opinion is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's tinnitus and right ankle disability are granted service connection. Service connection for a bilateral knee disability is denied, but the Veteran's back disability is remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and separate ratings were denied. The left knee DJD was rated at 10%, the left knee instability at 10%, and the lumbar spine degenerative arthritis at 40% prior to September 6, 2016, and at 50% thereafter.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis and total left knee arthroplasty are rated based on their respective conditions. The Veteran's service connection for tinnitus secondary to hypertension is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment outside of a protected work environment, thus qualifying for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee degenerative joint disease and lumbar spondylosis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his in-service aggravation of preexisting conditions.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received for the claims of service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis of bilateral upper extremities, and osteoarthritis of bilateral lower extremities. The claims are therefore reopened. Further evaluation is needed to determine if these conditions are related to active service.

The Veteran's left knee disability and skin disorder have been granted service connection.,However, the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his bilateral hearing loss has been denied.