Knee decisions — 2021

The Veteran's left knee tendonitis is rated at 10 percent prior to March 21, 2018 and a separate 10 percent rating for instability was granted starting from August 11, 2015. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a left hand disability due to potential nexus with in-service cold injury and chip fracture.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his right ankle fracture with chronic sprain, service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, left ankle disability, and left knee disability due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and changes in VA regulations.

The Veteran's right knee total arthroplasty is currently rated at 30 percent since May 1, 2019. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to lack of severe painful motion or weakness in the affected extremity.

The Board has remanded the left knee disability rating and TDIU issues due to incomplete examinations and inextricability with the left knee issue.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to August 19, 2009 is being remanded due to the need for additional records and further review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The claim for service connection for the cause of death was also denied.,Service connection was not granted as the evidence did not establish that any of these conditions were related to military service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for left knee, left leg, and bilateral foot disabilities have been withdrawn. The Board has remanded these issues due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and respiratory disorder (including asthma and COPD) due to insufficient development of medical evidence. The Veteran is requested to provide VA with any private treatment records, undergo VA examinations, and submit additional evidence if needed.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee, right knee, and lumbar spine disabilities, finding that these conditions are aggravated by her service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's appeal regarding increased ratings for his left and right knee chondromalacia patella is being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by patellofemoral syndrome and meniscal tear, is currently rated at 10 percent under the criteria for limitation of flexion. The Board found that his symptoms do not more nearly approximate the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his hip, knee, ankle, and finger disabilities due to inadequate examinations and opinions provided in August 2021. The case is being returned for further development.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not of such severity to preclude substantially gainful employment. Additional VA examinations and medical opinions are needed to determine the impact of her service-connected conditions on her employability.

The Veteran's service-connected eczema, hypothyroidism, right knee lateral instability, left knee lateral instability, right shin splints, and left shin splints have been granted. The Veteran's depression has also been granted an increased disability rating of 70 percent from June 22, 2017.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee disability, to include as secondary to a service-connected right knee disability, and entitlement to TDIU due to inadequate nexus opinions from an August 2019 VA examiner. The claim will be remanded again with instructions to obtain an addendum opinion.

The Board has determined that the previous opinions were inadequate and requires additional examinations to determine if the Veteran's left knee arthritis and bilateral foot disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for cysts, testosterone disability, and facial scars were dismissed. The claim for service connection for a right knee disability was reopened due to new evidence, but the appeal remains pending as it is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for right and left knee tendonitis/tendinosis were denied. The claim of SMC based on the need of aid and attendance of another person was dismissed.,Both knees are currently rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5260 (limitation of flexion).

The claims for service connection for a low back disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, right knee disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and substance use disorder), obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, esophageal disorder (GERD and hiatal hernia), and erectile dysfunction are all remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.,The claims for service connection for a low back disorder, type II diabetes mellitus, tinnitus, right knee disorder, acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD, major depressive disorder, and substance use disorder), obstructive sleep apnea, headaches, esophageal disorder (GERD and hiatal hernia), and erectile dysfunction are all remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Veteran's initial compensable disability rating for service-connected right ear serous otitis media with hearing loss was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating, and thus remanded the cases of his right wrist condition, right knee condition, and lower back condition.