Knee decisions — 2021

The Board has denied service connection for a respiratory disorder, left toe disability, and right toe disability due to lack of evidence showing the conditions were incurred or aggravated during service.,Service connection was also denied for skin disorders and back disorders. The Veteran's skin condition is currently under consideration as it may be related to post-service treatment, while his back and knee disabilities are being reviewed based on in-service reports.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability and granted it, finding that new evidence received since the last final denial raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.

The Veteran is granted an annual clothing allowance for calendar year 2012 due to his service-connected right knee brace causing wear and tear on his pants.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee, neck, and hip disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology. The Veteran is asked to provide any outstanding VA, private, or Social Security Administration records.

The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to insufficient medical opinion regarding flare-ups of pain in the knees.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent since April 20, 2016. The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for low back and right knee disabilities as well as TDIU.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of instability or ankylosis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and back disability, were denied. The Board found the Veteran not credible due to his history of disciplinary actions, substance abuse, and violent behavior.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to insufficient evidence showing his service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

Your appeals have been dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn them.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to procedural deficiencies and the need for additional VA examinations. The issues of PTSD, right knee strain with arthritis, right knee instability, and right ear hearing loss are still pending.

The Veteran's appeal is dismissed because the AOJ has already granted a total disability rating for his left knee arthroplasty from August 1, 2015 to April 30, 2016.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of flexion. Since October 4, 2021, a separate 10 percent rating has been granted for slight instability of the right knee.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding records and need for addendum opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's PTSD and right knee disability have been granted a 100 percent rating, and he is receiving SMC based on housebound status for the entire appeal period. The TDIU claim has been mooted as his PTSD alone meets the criteria.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, specifically whether they are related to service, including running on concrete in service.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee condition and remanded it for further development. The claims for increased ratings for dysthymic disorder and right knee disability, as well as TDIU, are also being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his back and left knee conditions, have worsened to the point where he requires constant use of an ambulatory device for walking. The Board finds a remand necessary to assess the severity of these conditions and their impact on daily activities.

The Veteran's right knee disability, arthritis with limited range of motion post-total replacement, is rated at 60% effective November 12, 2019. Other disabilities are also rated and service connection for PTSD is granted.