Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's left ankle sprain, right knee strain, and lumbar strain are currently rated at 10 percent each. The Board denied increased ratings for all three conditions as the evidence did not support a finding of marked limitation of motion or other disabling symptoms warranting higher ratings.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding that there was no evidence of chronic in-service arthritis or a link to an in-service injury. The Board also noted that osteoarthritis was not diagnosed until decades after service separation.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for right knee strain with tendonitis, left knee instability, thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and TDIU prior to July 28, 2010. The VA examinations were inadequate due to reliance on inaccurate factual premises.

The Veteran's service-connected migraine headaches have rendered him unemployable since July 16, 2014. The Board found that the evidence supports his claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) from this date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for her right knee disability and for TDIU. The Veteran needs to undergo further examination, and VA must consider whether extra-schedular consideration is warranted for TDIU.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as to all claims due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for left hip, foot, and knee disabilities due to internal inconsistency in a previous VA examiner's opinion. The RO is required to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding whether these disabilities are related to his service-connected low back disability or aggravated by other service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his combined disability ratings do not meet the criteria for TDIU and there is insufficient evidence of record regarding his employment status.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU from January 15, 2014 to July 11, 2019 due to his service-connected disabilities that rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the Veteran's claims, including those related to CUE in a July 1985 rating decision denying service connection for a right knee disability, as well as earlier effective date claims for service connection.

The Veteran's knee and hand disabilities are being remanded for further evaluation due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their relationship to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to internal inconsistencies in the April 2019 VA examination, and a new VA examination is required to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and bilateral pes planus, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and her active military service.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee limitation of motion was denied as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for such a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee instability was denied as his range of motion and stability did not meet the criteria for such a higher rating. The Veteran is prescribed bracing but no assistive device, which precludes him from receiving a 20% rating under the revised criteria.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as there is no evidence showing that his service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's right knee tibiofemoral joint disability was rated at 10 percent prior to August 31, 2016. The case is remanded for further development regarding a higher rating for the right knee total replacement.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence for service connection of various conditions, including cervical spine disorder, lumbar spine disorder, right knee disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorders. The Veteran needs to provide private treatment records related to these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee patellofemoral syndrome with shin splints are each rated at 10 percent, effective September 24, 2011. The Board denied entitlement to higher ratings for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran experienced current disability at the time of his death and that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether this disability began during active service. Service connection was denied for bilateral knee disability due to lack of evidence showing its onset in service or being related to a disease or injury in service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's right knee arthritis, specifically during flare-ups and following repetitive use over a period of time. The Veteran needs a new VA medical examination to assess his current severity.