Knee decisions — 2022

The Board has found pre-decisional duty to assist errors in the VA examinations for bilateral knee conditions and left ankle disability, requiring a remand to rectify prior to adjudication of the Veteran's claims.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions, including coronary artery disease, right eye cataract and left eye pseudophakia, left knee degenerative joint disease, right knee degenerative joint disease, glaucoma, and hypercholesterolemia have been granted. Service connection for these conditions is presumed due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for migraine headaches, sinusitis, sleep apnea, bilateral knee disability, and neck disability due to the Veteran's contention that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection of right and left knee disorders. The Veteran's active-duty service records are unavailable, but other medical records indicate a history of knee injuries during service and ongoing symptoms since then.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various finger and thumb degenerative arthritis conditions were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the effective loss or permanent use of his feet, qualifying him for financial assistance to acquire an automobile and adaptive equipment.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for right and left knee disabilities, as well as PTSD, were dismissed. A 70 percent disability rating was granted for PTSD.

The Board has remanded the case due to outstanding treatment records and requests for additional information. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right knee patellar tendon repair condition is still pending.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for a lumbar spine disorder, a rating in excess of 30 percent for a right knee disorder prior to November 29, 2017, and a rating in excess of 60 percent for a right knee disorder beginning November 29, 2017. The claims are also remanded for a compensable rating for the Veteran's right knee scar.

The Board has remanded the cases due to insufficient medical opinions regarding service connection for left knee disability, feet issues, and sleep apnea. The Veteran's representative also raised a concern about potential secondary service connection of sleep apnea to PTSD.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a left knee injury, and squamous cell carcinoma. The claims were not supported by current medical evidence or evidence linking the conditions to service.

The Veteran's right knee is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of flexion, and a higher rating is denied.

The Board has ordered a remand for additional development regarding the Veteran's left knee condition, including scheduling a VA examination to assess its severity and determine if it requires a brace or assistive device.

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and remanded the issues of an initial rating in excess of 30 percent for left knee enthesopathy and TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete VA medical opinions and missing treatment records.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding functional impairment during flare-ups. The Veteran's knee disabilities are in need of a retrospective examination by an appropriate examiner who can provide estimates of loss of function during flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination due to incomplete service records regarding dates of Active Duty Reserve (ACDUTRA) and Inactive Duty Reserve (INACDUTRA).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities from December 11, 2013 through June 7, 2021 have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,New evidence has been submitted to reopen the claims for patellar tenonitis, right knee; left ankle sprain; and gastrointestinal disorder (GERD).,The Veteran's hearing loss claim is remanded due to lack of current bilateral hearing loss disability.,VA treatment records from Dallas VA Medical Center are needed for patellar tenonitis, right knee.,VA examination is required for left ankle sprain.,A medical opinion is needed regarding the pre-existence and aggravation of gastrointestinal disorder (GERD).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are causally related to his active military service, granting service connection for both conditions.