Citation Nr: 21006165 Decision Date: 02/03/21 Archive Date: 02/03/21 DOCKET NO. 17-66 258 DATE: February 3, 2021 REMANDED Entitlement to service connection for a right knee disorder, to include as secondary to service-connected disorders, is remanded. Entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder, to include as secondary to service-connected disorders, is remanded. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent disabled for a right achilles disorder is remanded. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent disabled for a left ankle disorder is remanded. Entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability (TDIU) rating is remanded. Entitlement to a temporary total rating of 100 percent disabled is remanded. REASONS FOR REMAND The Veteran served on active duty from April 16, 1994, to April 29, 1994. 1. Entitlement to service connection for a right knee disorder, to include as secondary to service-connected disorders, is remanded. 2. Entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder, to include as secondary to service-connected disorders, is remanded. 3. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent disabled for a right achilles disorder is remanded. 4. Entitlement to a rating in excess of 30 percent disabled for a left ankle disorder is remanded. 5. Entitlement to a TDIU rating is remanded. 6. Entitlement to a temporary total rating of 100 percent disabled is remanded. In a June 2020 letter, the Veteran noted that she has applied for Social Security Administration (SSA) disability, and is now receiving SSA payments. The complete SSA record should be obtained prior to further adjudication. Additionally, in September and October 2020 statements, the Veteran indicated that she has experienced knee pain and flexion issues chronically since service, and those issues began subsequent to an in-service injury. A November 2019 VA examiner determined that the Veteran’s bilateral knee disorders were less likely than not related to service and were the “normal atraumatic changes of the aging process.” The examiner did not address the Veteran’s claim of continuous symptomology since service. On remand, the Agency of Original Jurisdiction (AOJ) should obtain an addendum VA medical opinion that addresses the Veteran’s statements. The matters are REMANDED for the following action: 1. Obtain VA treatment records since November 2019 and associate them with the claims file. 2. Obtain all medical and legal records pertaining to the Veteran’s SSA disability claim. 3. Forward the claims file to an appropriate examiner to obtain an opinion regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran’s right and left knee disorders. The examiner should opine as to whether it is at least as likely as not (i.e., probability of 50 percent or greater) that any diagnosed right and/or left knee disorders a) began in service, b) are etiologically related to service, c) are caused by service-connected lumbar spine disability, residuals of left ankle fracture, right achilles tendinopathy and/or right lower extremity radiculopathy OR d) the service-connected lumbar spine disability, residuals of left ankle fracture, right achilles tendinopathy and/or right lower extremity radiculopathy results in any additional functional impairment associated with the right and/or left knee disability (e.g., a medically discernible increase in motion loss, functional use, etc., above the degree associated with that expected from the baseline level of disability. The examiner should specifically address the November 2019 VA opinion that the knee disorders are the result of normal atraumatic changes of the aging process, and the Veteran’s specific statements of chronicity of bilateral knee symptomology since her in-service accident. See September and October 2020 Veteran Statements. Additionally, the examiner should discuss whether there is any medical reason to accept or reject the Veteran’s belief that her right and left knee disorders originated from the same in-service accident that caused her service-connected thoracolumbar spine disorder. If an examination is needed, one should be scheduled. A complete medical rationale for all opinions expressed must be provided. T. MAINELLI Veterans Law Judge Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney for the Board C. Howell, Counsel 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.