Knee Board decisions

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for bilateral knee and back disabilities due to a failure to comply with previous directives. The case is now back before the Board.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her lumbar spine disability and service connection for bilateral knee disabilities due to outstanding records and additional evidentiary development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient explanation of how the Veteran's joint pain is related to a distinct disorder, and for further clarification.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for varicose veins of the left leg, effective throughout the appeal period. The Veteran's left knee disability is also remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right knee and right hip disabilities due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran will need new VA examinations to assess the current severity of her service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis and instability were not rated higher than 10 percent prior to May 26, 2015.,The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis and instability were not rated higher than 10 percent at any time during the period on appeal.

The Board has remanded three issues related to service connection for knee disabilities and left arm neuropathy due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran's claims are being returned for further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee strain and right knee strain as they are currently rated at 10 percent, requesting additional VA treatment records to support his claim.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the percentage requirements for a schedular TDIU, and there is no evidence of an extraschedular TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum medical opinion to consider the Veteran's reported limitations of motion during flare-ups and with repetitive use over time.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's left knee disability, specifically status post medial meniscectomy. A separate 20 percent rating is granted for left knee cartilage, semilunar, dislocated with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle disability, presumed secondary to his right ankle and right knee disabilities as well as asthma, should be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome with arthritis is granted a separate 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion, and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected anxiety disorder and knee disorders is also granted. The higher ratings requested for the right knee are denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent for limitation of extension effective January 28, 2020. The remaining issues are granted.

The Veteran's COPD is rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. His hearing loss of the left ear is also rated at non-compensable.,The Veteran has been found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities from October 20, 2010 to October 8, 2013 and this TDIU status is granted.,Right knee condition and left ankle condition are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, and right knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a current and adequate examination, as per Correia v. McDonald (2016).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him incapable of securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board granted his claim for TDIU.

The Veteran's left knee DJD status post medial meniscectomy was initially rated at 10 percent prior to November 17, 2017. Since then, the disability has warranted a 30 percent rating.,Prior to November 17, 2017, the Veteran had limited flexion of his left knee (limited to 120 degrees) and no instability or recurrent subluxation. After November 17, 2017, he has experienced limited flexion (to 15 degrees).