Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical strain, left ear hearing loss, lumbosacral strain, bilateral knee condition (left and right), and bilateral shoulder condition have all been granted service connection with a 10% rating for the cervical strain.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are currently rated at 20% for the period beginning June 26, 2014. The Board denied higher ratings based on additional limitation of motion and pain.

The Veteran's right knee surgical scars are not rated higher than 10 percent.,The Veteran's left knee surgical scar is rated at 10 percent.,The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and instability do not warrant a rating greater than 10 percent.,A separate 10 percent rating for right knee instability has been granted.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted as service-connected.,For the entire period on appeal, a rating of 20 percent for recurrent right knee instability has been granted.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for left knee disability service connection is denied as the earliest allowable effective date has already been assigned.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the presence of ankylosis and muscle injury in the Veteran's right knee.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment since June 1, 2014. The Board has granted an earlier effective date for a TDIU based on this finding.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee condition, finding that there was no evidence of onset in service or within one year after separation. The VA examiners concluded that the current left knee condition is not related to service.

The Board has remanded two issues: service connection for a low back disability and an increased rating for patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee. The Veteran's claims are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disability due to incomplete records and inadequate medical opinions. The RO is instructed to obtain complete STRs, including any entrance examination, and seek an adequate VA medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for neck, left knee, and right knee conditions due to insufficient reasons or bases in the September 2019 decision. The Court found that the Board failed to adequately account for favorable evidence suggesting current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to incomplete development of his National Guard records, outstanding VA treatment records, and new opinions regarding his claimed disabilities. The AOJ is instructed to obtain these records and provide addendum opinions as outlined in the decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded the remaining issues of service connection for a left knee disability, right knee disability, back disability, and an acquired psychiatric disorder other than PTSD.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability with a torn ACL, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board denied an increased rating for the post-traumatic arthritis and higher ratings for the instability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disorder and hypertension due to insufficient evidence in the record, including lack of VA treatment records and inadequate medical opinions. The RO is required to obtain these records and provide the Veteran with new VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the appeals for service connection for neck, right knee, left knee, and back disabilities due to inadequate rationale in previous VA opinions. The appeal for hypertension is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and failure to comply with prior remand instructions.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability. The claims for left knee and sleep disorder are remanded for additional development.

The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to its inextricability with other claims, specifically those for service connection of a left knee disability and rectal/colon polyp. The Veteran is also advised to complete a VA Form 21-8940 to support his TDIU claim.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation of his right knee disability has been withdrawn by the Veteran and his representative.