Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as he has not provided necessary employment information and there is insufficient evidence to determine his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings due to inadequate development and examination.

The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hip osteoarthritis, right ankle osteoarthritis, left knee osteoarthritis, and left knee MCL tear. The low back disability claim is being remanded.

The Veteran's right knee disability was initially rated at 10% prior to October 8, 2021. From that date until April 12, 2022, the rating was increased to 20%. After April 12, 2022, a higher rating is denied.

The Board has granted a separate evaluation of 10 percent for left knee instability and a 20 percent evaluation for the left knee meniscal tear, but denied an increased evaluation for left knee degenerative arthritis with limitation of extension.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee and thoracolumbar spine disorders.

The Board has remanded the cases due to incomplete records and the need for further development regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and right knee disability claims.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee osteoarthritis have been remanded due to the need for a new medical opinion regarding whether her knee conditions are proximately due or aggravated by her service-connected pes planus.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable prior to November 11, 2021. From November 11, 2021 onwards, the issue of TDIU is moot due to SMC at the (s) level.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's lumbar spine and right knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination. The issues on appeal are related to initial disability ratings for right and left knee strains.

The appeal for service connection of thoracolumbar spine disorder is dismissed as the RO has already granted it with a full award. The appeals for left knee, cervical spine, and left shoulder disorders are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral knee, hip, and back conditions due to inadequate opinions from VA examiners regarding their onset during service.

The Board has denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for Reiter's syndrome, but the appeal is remanded to determine if the Veteran's left knee disorder was caused or aggravated by service-connected Reiter's syndrome.

The Board has restored a 30 percent disability rating for the Veteran's right knee status post partial meniscectomy with osteoarthritis, effective September 1, 2016.

The Board has remanded the case due to evidentiary deficiencies and procedural issues, including failure of the Veteran to appear for a VA examination. The claim will be reconsidered with updated medical evidence and further evaluation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disorder and for TDIU due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran will need new VA examinations to address the Sharp requirements.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee disability and vertigo due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the Veteran's contentions.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating in excess of 30 percent for left knee disability is denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's left knee disability is denied as not incurred in or due to service. The Veteran's back disability, rated at 20 percent prior to April 7, 2022 and 40 percent thereafter, is granted with a rating of 40 percent.