Knee decisions — 2021

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities at least as likely as not result in him needing regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting entitlement to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a left knee injury as new and material evidence had not been presented with respect to his previously denied claim.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted as he is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran regarding his jump status while in service. The examiner is requested to provide an opinion on whether these disabilities are at least as likely as not related to this in-service jump status.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee instability, limitation of flexion, and left ankle sprain with degenerative joint disease have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under either the former or revised VA regulations.

The Veteran's right knee replacement is rated at 60 percent disabling, and he is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has granted the Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease, left knee disability, right knee disability, bilateral pes planus, and an acquired psychiatric disability. The cases are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inconsistencies in the Veteran's reports of flare-ups and functional impact during those flare-ups. The issues include left knee strain, lumbar spine strain with arthritis, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 20% for dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion into the joint; 10% for limitation of extension; and 10% for slight instability. The total rating is 30%.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to outstanding VA and private treatment records not being obtained.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional information and examination regarding the Veteran's left knee disability, which may be related to service-connected right knee and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral knee disabilities and TDIU, finding no evidence to support a link between his current knee conditions and his military service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities, asthma, joint swelling and stiffness, and a skin condition. However, these claims are denied on the merits.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation before November 26, 2018. His TDIU is granted for this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and the need for additional development, including obtaining private treatment records.

The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for eye movement spasms and photophobia due to TBI (also claimed as sensitivity to light, nystagmus, and convergence palsy) is dismissed.,The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical spine degenerative disc disease with cervical strain (previously rated as cervical strain) is dismissed.,The appeal for service connection for right bicep muscle strain is dismissed.,The appeal for service connection for right elbow disability with weakness in the right hand is dismissed.,The appeals for service connection for right knee and left knee disabilities are remanded.,The appeal for loss of feeling of the right hand is also remanded.

The Board denied service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and right foot disability (claimed as right ankle disability) due to a lack of evidence showing that these conditions began during active service, were related to in-service injuries or diseases, or had continuity of symptoms since service.,While the Veteran reported experiencing knee pain and ankle pain since service, his current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, including instability, are rated at 30 percent each since December 22, 2017. The appeal is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to a lack of adequate examination regarding range of motion and flare-ups.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his in-service injury. Service connection was denied for a right knee disability due to lack of evidence linking it to service.