Knee decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's left knee disability, including rating determinations and TDIU determination. The specific reasons for these remands are not provided in this decision.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for gout, PTSD, right knee disability, left knee disability, erectile dysfunction, and higher ratings for lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and residuals of TBI have all been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking any current conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left leg and knee condition, instability, and meniscal condition have been granted. He is now rated at 30 percent for the combined conditions.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of a right knee disability, left knee disability, and obstructive sleep apnea as these conditions were already granted in a previous rating decision.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient rationale in the VA examination reports and failure to consider his lay statements regarding the onset of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to fully and fairly consider the issues of service connection for various disabilities, including back disability, acquired psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, Type II, left hip disability, right hip disability, right knee disability, diverticulitis, sepsis, residuals of breast cancer, status post double breast mastectomy, and mastectomy scars. The Veteran's representative has requested that the VA examine her for these conditions to determine their relationship with her service-connected total hysterectomy, removal of uterus and both ovaries.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 20 percent since April 19, 2021. The RO denied an increased rating for the service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease and knee strain.

The Veteran's MDD and bilateral knee disabilities have been granted a rating of 70 percent, effective May 31, 2016. A TDIU has also been granted from that date.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's left knee disability. The issues include rating in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral syndrome and higher staged ratings for episodes of locking, pain, and effusion prior to July 15, 2004.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for clarification regarding whether the Veteran's discitis with osteomyelitis is related to her service-connected residuals of compression fracture L3, with post traumatic DJD and lumbosacral strain. The examiner should also determine if the Veteran requires aid and attendance or is housebound.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disability but has remanded the issue of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to lack of in-service documentation and need for additional development.

The overpayment of VA compensation benefits in the amount $19,646.87 is partially valid; reimbursement of payments is not warranted.

The Board denied service connection for both the Veteran's congenital right foot deformity and his right knee disability, finding no evidence of a superimposed disease or injury during service and insufficient evidence to establish a direct nexus between the conditions.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hip, knee, and foot disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder is related to his active duty service and granted service connection for it. However, the skin disorder was not caused by or related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted for chronic sinusitis, asthma, and dermatitis. The appeal concerning pseudofolliculitis barbae has been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his claim. Other issues remain pending.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including skin condition, lumbar spine disability, wrist and thumb disabilities, foot disabilities, ankle disabilities, and knee disabilities. The AOJ is instructed to obtain new medical opinions regarding the nature of the Veteran's treatment for his skin condition, etiology of his back and bilateral hand conditions, etiology of his foot and ankle conditions, and etiology of his bilateral knee conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee condition and tinnitus, finding that there is no evidence of current disabilities or in-service incurrence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting right knee osteoarthritis was aggravated by active service, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased rating and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, as well as SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance. The Veteran's right knee disability is being evaluated further, including obtaining an MRI of her right knee.