Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 20 percent, and his DJD in the left knee is rated at 10 percent. The reduction of rating for left knee instability was upheld.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine, cervical spine, right knee, and left knee disorders. The case is being remanded to obtain an addendum opinion from the examiner who conducted the July 2018 VA knees and spine examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but has remanded the issue of service connection for a bilateral knee condition due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues except left upper extremity neurological disability and left elbow scar have been withdrawn. The remaining issues are being remanded for further examination and evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for COPD, left knee condition, right eye retinal burn residuals, left eye retinal burn residuals, and bronchial asthma due to in-service exposure. The issues are now pending before the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral shoulder condition, bilateral knee condition, and gastric reflux due to VA not having provided a VA examination or obtained relevant private treatment records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including total right knee replacement, total left hip replacement, bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to these conditions.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was rated at 50 percent, but the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to lack of chronic respiratory failure with carbon dioxide retention or cor pulmonale.,For the left knee injury prior to November 25, 2014, the Veteran received a 10 percent rating based on painful motion. After this date, he was granted a 30 percent rating for limitation of extension and a 20 percent rating for meniscal tear.,Major depressive disorder was rated at 30 percent, which is the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 9434.,Degenerative disc disease (low back disability) was rated at 40 percent, but not higher due to lack of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome.,Erectile dysfunction received a non-compensable rating.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent since May 2, 2012. He also received a TDIU effective from May 2, 2012.,The decision grants the Veteran a higher rating for his PTSD and confirms he is eligible for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's back condition and right knee disability are granted as service-connected. The Veteran's headaches have been remanded for further evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shin splints, right shin splints, a left knee disorder, and a right hip disorder due to outstanding treatment records and the need for an addendum opinion.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation from January 2, 2013 to January 2, 2014 for partial replacement of the left knee was granted. The claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for a left knee disability since January 2, 2014 is remanded due to issues regarding examiner competency and need for a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected, but remanded other claims for additional development.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for increased ratings for low back disability and bilateral knee disabilities due to missing treatment records and possible worsening of symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and a left knee disability are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board's decision is revised to deny the claim of entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate, effective July 12, 2013.

The Veteran's right knee disability, which includes muscle atrophy and chronic painful motion, has been rated as 60 percent since May 1, 2010. The Board found that the residuals of his total knee replacement surgery have resulted in severe painful motion or weakness.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral knee disabilities, and adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood are being remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment from October 18, 2013. The Board has granted a TDIU for this period.