Knee Board decisions

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a right knee disability due to insufficient evidence and an incomplete examination. The Veteran is required to attend another VA examination to determine if her current right knee condition is related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation for the entire period on appeal, and TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his low back disability and right knee degenerative joint disease, have significantly impaired him from obtaining and maintaining any form of gainful employment consistent with his prior education and experience. The Board has determined that a TDIU is warranted for the period from November 23, 2004 to March 6, 2008.

The Board has found that a remand is required to ensure VA has met its duty to assist in obtaining all relevant records and to provide the Veteran with appropriate examinations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee conditions have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis with ACL sprain was granted a 40% rating from January 23, 2014 to November 5, 2020. Effective August 22, 2012, the Veteran is considered permanently and totally disabled due to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for left knee chondromalacia with degenerative joint disease, as well as separate ratings for limitation of extension and instability, was denied. The current rating of 10% is maintained.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent prior to October 26, 2019, and 20 percent thereafter. The knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent.,Both conditions are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected. The Board finds that the evidence is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's other claimed conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new evidence received since the final decisions of February 2002 and February 2012 warrants reconsideration of the Veteran's claims for service connection. The cases are being remanded to allow for further examination and opinion regarding the nature and etiology of any current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating higher than 10 percent for right knee painful loss of range of motion and for a rating higher than 10 percent for the right knee meniscal tear due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and muscle spasms due to insufficient examination reports. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Veteran's right knee disability and lumbar spine disorder are being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine the current severity of these conditions, as well as whether the right knee disability is aggravating the lumbar spine condition.

The Veteran's low back disability, currently diagnosed as degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, is granted service connection on a presumptive basis. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's hypertension is granted as service connected due to herbicide exposure. The right knee and left knee disabilities are denied, with the Board finding no evidence of in-service injury or disease. The low back disability is also denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability is granted as service connected. The issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, DJD of the lumbar spine, and a left knee disability are remanded.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus is being remanded. The initial ratings for bilateral pes planus, left knee disability, and right knee disability are granted or denied as specified. The appeal regarding service connection for diabetes mellitus remains pending.

The Board dismissed all appeals regarding the Veteran's claims for various conditions and ratings, as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, headaches, and a left knee disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the VA-contracted examiner's opinions are inadequate and remanded for further development, including obtaining new etiology opinions regarding the Veteran's claimed conditions.