Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's right knee disorder is rated at 20 percent for instability, which meets the criteria for a separate rating based on instability. The claimant does not meet the criteria for an increased rating based solely on arthritis or limitation of motion.

The Veteran's service-connected eye disorder, PTSD, and knee disabilities are not granted. The rating for PTSD prior to May 24, 2017 is denied.

The Board has determined that the claims for TBI, brown recluse spider bite, and right knee disability are remanded due to incomplete development. The Veteran is also entitled to a formal notice of requirements to substantiate a claim for TDIU benefits.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an incorrect standard of review used in previous medical opinions regarding the Veteran's left knee arthritis. The case will be reviewed again with a new opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a right knee disability, and sleep apnea due to incomplete records and insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has denied service connection for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right knee condition as the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active duty.

The Board has remanded the claims for a higher rating for limitation of flexion and instability of the right knee due to inadequate examination reports. The Veteran will need another VA examination to assess her range of motion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and a right knee disability, finding that there is no persuasive evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate VA examinations and the need for updated private treatment records. The Veteran will be scheduled for a new examination to determine the current severity of his right knee limitation of extension.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for a left knee disability is being remanded due to the unavailability of a private treatment record from Dr. Goldberg.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions and a need for further examination. The Veteran's right knee disabilities are being reviewed again, with particular attention to whether they are related to her service-connected bilateral pes planus or right ankle tendonitis.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities due to a lack of a VA examination, which is necessary to determine if his current knee conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings and effective dates was denied. The left knee issues were addressed, with a 10 percent rating granted for instability and a 10 percent rating for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage. Right and left lower extremity radiculopathy issues resulted in 20 percent ratings effective January 22, 2015, but no higher ratings were granted. The Veteran's TDIU claim was denied, as he did not meet the criteria for a combined rating of at least 60% due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on his left knee disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need to obtain VA medical records.

The Veteran's left and right knee semilunar cartilage conditions, including instability, are rated at 20 percent each since November 28, 2011. The partial knee replacement for the right knee is rated at 100 percent from June 30, 2014 to June 30, 2015 and 30 percent thereafter.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for clothing allowances in 2015 for use of left and right knee braces, as well as for topical medication (Ketoconazole cream) used to treat his umbilical hernia repair scar. The decision is based on the evidence showing that these items cause irreparable damage to the Veteran's outer garments.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, vision, severe burn injury, ALS. Therefore, the claim for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile and adaptive equipment is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinion concerning his claimed disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee strain and costochondritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are either directly related to his service or symptoms of a pre-existing condition.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional evidence and conduct further examinations for the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, shoulder disorder, and knee disorder.