Knee decisions — 2021

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including low back disorder, left knee disorder, left ankle disorder, and bilateral foot disorders. The VA examiner's opinions are inadequate as they do not address the Veteran's contentions regarding her work history and post-service symptoms.

The Board has denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding that the evidence does not support a link between these conditions and active duty service.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right knee disability has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has granted a TDIU effective November 2, 2016. However, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to that date. The case is remanded for referral to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for MDS, a left leg above the knee amputation, and a right leg above the knee amputation due to the need for further medical opinions. The cause of death claim is also in remand status as it is related to the Veteran's service-connected coronary artery disease and his presumptive exposure to Agent Orange during his Vietnam War service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to an in-service injury or event.

The Veteran's right knee retropatellar pain has been granted an increased rating of 20 percent, effective March 17, 2011. The reduction in the disability rating for right knee subluxation from 10% to zero percent was not proper and a restoration of the 10% rating is ordered. The initial compensable rating for right knee limitation of extension has been denied, as has an increased rating higher than 10% for right knee subluxation.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for OSA, Right Knee Disability, and an Acquired Psychiatric Disorder due to new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee strain, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his active military service.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee condition as the evidence did not show that it was incurred in or caused by service.

The Veteran's right knee and ankle DJD are remanded for additional examinations, and her claim for service connection of a right foot disability other than hallux valgus is also remanded for an addendum medical opinion.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's claims of service connection for a left knee disability and denied his requests for increased ratings for thoracic strain, right knee strain, and right knee instability as they were rendered moot due to the grant of service connection in September 2020. The Veteran's thoracic strain was rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5237.

The Veteran's cervical spine, ankle, knee, hip, and shoulder conditions are being remanded for further development.,Specifically, the Board is requesting additional medical opinions to determine if these conditions are secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records, specifically from Samaritan Village.

The Veteran's left knee disability has worsened since 2018, and a new VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of his condition.

The Board has reopened the issue of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new evidence received since a final December 2007 rating decision. The remaining issues on appeal, including those related to back disability and other conditions, are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral shoulder strain, a bilateral knee disability (claimed as chronic joint pain), a bilateral elbow disability (claimed as chronic joint pain), and a bilateral hand strain. The Veteran's bilateral foot disability is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for low back, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The decision is based on the current evidence showing these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's left knee instability and osteoarthritis are being remanded for further examination to determine the extent of his disability, particularly during flare-ups. Additionally, a VA examination is needed to assess the collective impact of his disabilities on his employment.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for increased ratings of left knee disabilities and instability.