Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evaluation due to issues related to gastroesophageal reflux disease and increased rating for right knee hypertrophic osteoarthritis. Service connection for GERD is also requested.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, postoperative residuals meniscectomy of the left knee with arthritis, lumbar spondylosis, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee, precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right above the knee amputation, finding it related to his service-connected right lower extremity compartment syndrome.

The Veteran's partial tear, anterior cruciate ligament, right knee, post-operative, with scars and instability, rated as 20 percent disabling for the rating period prior to April 20, 2022, was denied.,The Veteran's right knee, status-post surgery, partial tear, anterior cruciate ligament, with limitation of motion, rated as 10 percent disabling for the rating period prior to April 20, 2022, was denied.,The Veteran's right total knee replacement is now rated at 30 percent since October 1, 2022.,The Veteran's right total ankle replacement remains rated at 40 percent since September 26, 2017.,The Veteran has been granted TDIU.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left wrist, right hip, and right knee disorders due to insufficient etiology opinions provided by VA examiners.

The Veteran's right knee disability is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, as he reported worsening symptoms and potential need for surgery.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to incomplete records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's knee disabilities are being reviewed again to determine if they are related to service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee disorder and degenerative disease of the lumbosacral spine, to include as secondary to service-connected PTSD. The issues are related to whether these conditions are caused or aggravated by her service-connected PTSD.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee disabilities due to inadequate June 2021 medical opinions and further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for lumbar spine DDD and a rating higher than 10 percent for right knee DJD due to deficiencies in the examination provided.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right hand arthritis, as well as his left and right knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence regarding their onset during or shortly after service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete development and lack of consideration of lay statements regarding continuity of symptomatology.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, including depression, migraine headaches without aura, left shoulder bursitis, right ankle sprain, knee pain disorders, fungal infections of the feet, cervical spine strain, and chronic ankle sprain. The Veteran requires assistance with bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, putting on his ankle brace, and protecting himself from hazards due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's left knee strain with patellofemoral pain syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded for further evaluation due to consistent symptoms throughout the appeal period.

The Board has remanded the cases for further examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee condition and skin disorders of his feet. The issues include a right knee condition, rash on the right foot, and rash on the left foot.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to worsening of his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and a request for a DRO hearing.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for PTSD was denied, as his symptoms have not resulted in total occupational and social impairment.,The Veteran's claims for service connection of sleep apnea and bilateral knee condition are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss were not incurred or aggravated during service, but may be related to post-service noise exposure. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's left knee patellofemoral syndrome was previously rated at 10 percent prior to December 28, 2021. However, as of that date, the disability is now rated at 20 percent due to an increase in symptoms.