Citation Nr: 20005404
Decision Date: 01/22/20	Archive Date: 01/22/20

DOCKET NO. 17-37 185
DATE: January 22, 2020

REMANDED

Entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for left knee degenerative joint disease (DJD) is remanded.

Entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right knee DJD is remanded.  

REASONS FOR REMAND

The Veteran served on active duty in the United States Army from September 1984 to July 1993.  This matter is before the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (Board) on appeal from a March 2015 decision issued by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Regional Office (RO).  

In October 2019, the Veteran testified at a hearing before the undersigned Veterans Law Judge (VLJ) and a transcript of the proceeding is of record.

During his October 2019 hearing, the Veteran testified that both of his knees had worsened since his June 2017 examination.  He described instability, painful motion, difficulty traversing stairs, and problems with extended use.  While he was once athletic, he can no longer exercise the way he did when he was in the military.  He cannot carry heavy objects while walking or else his knees will weaken and give out without warning.  He must limit the amount of weight that he carries. He also has grinding of his knees that occurs three to four times per day.  He cannot walk more than 30 yards without needing to rest.  He loses time at work because he must call in one to two times per month.  While at work, he uses a standing desk and elevator.  A new examination with updated findings is required.  

The matters are REMANDED for the following action:

1. Schedule the Veteran for a VA knee and lower leg conditions examination to determine the current severity of the DJD of his bilateral knees.  

2. Upon completion of the above, and any additional development deemed appropriate, readjudicate the remanded issues.  If the benefits sought remains denied, the Veteran should be provided with a supplemental statement of the case.  The case should then be returned to the Board for appellate review if otherwise in order.  

 

 

WILLIAM H. DONNELLY

Veterans Law Judge

Board of Veterans’ Appeals

Attorney for the Board	K. McDermott

The Board’s decision in this case is binding only with respect to the instant matter decided. This decision is not precedential, and does not establish VA policies or interpretations of general applicability. 38 C.F.R. § 20.1303.