Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type II is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted. The Veteran does not require regulation of activities to manage his diabetes. As for TDIU, the evidence shows that the Veteran has met the schedular criteria but is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service connection claims for tinnitus and a left knee disorder are granted. The Board found that the conditions were incurred during active duty.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for right ankle, back, and right hip disabilities. The claim for service connection of a right knee disability is still pending.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded due to insufficient information regarding the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) diagnosis prior to 2019.

The Veteran's claims for evaluation of left knee degenerative joint disease, service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examinations and a need for clarification of certain aspects related to the Veteran's service-connected right knee DJD and migraine headaches.

The Veteran's left leg above the knee amputation is being remanded for further review due to inconsistencies in medical opinions and lack of signed informed consent forms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient development and examination, including missing VA treatment records and inadequate opinions regarding his neck, back, knee, and hypertension disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), osteopenia, and degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine prior to April 18, 2022. The claim for increase in rating for degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine thereafter remains before the Board.,The Veteran's service connection claims were previously remanded due to issues with evidentiary development.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right hip disability, bilateral ankle and knee disabilities, leg cramps (including shin splints), foot disabilities, and wrist disability (including carpal tunnel syndrome). The evidence does not support a relationship between these conditions and her active duty service.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee disability and heart disease, finding that the evidence did not support a link to service. The Veteran's current diagnoses were attributed to post-service conditions.,Nonservice-connected pension benefits were also denied.

The Veteran's right knee patellar tendonitis with patellofemoral pain syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent, and a separate 10 percent rating for right knee instability from January 25, 2016, has been granted. The appeal does not involve service connection issues.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including osteoarthritis and previous ACL reconstruction with meniscectomy, is currently rated at 10 percent for instability from March 8, 2016 to March 22, 2022. The rating has been granted based on the current functional impairment.

The Veteran's right knee tendonitis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds it not factually ascertainable that his condition worsened in the year prior to his claim. The appeal for an increased rating is therefore denied.

The Veteran's left ear hearing loss is granted as service-connected.,The Veteran's LLE radiculopathy is denied as not service-connected.,The Veteran's bilateral foot condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's memory loss is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's bilateral shoulder condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's bilateral elbow condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's allergic rhinitis (claimed as a respiratory condition) is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's bilateral knee condition is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's OSA is remanded for further evaluation and determination of its etiology.,The Veteran's migraine headaches are remanded for further evaluation and determination of their etiology.

The Board has granted the reopening of claims for bilateral knee disability, fatigue and muscle pain (IBS), neurological condition, and respiratory condition. The service connection claims have been reopened due to new evidence submitted since previous decisions.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence showing that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable prior to June 27, 2016. The case is now referred for extraschedular TDIU consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's appeals for service connection of right knee, leg, and ankle disabilities are remanded due to procedural issues. The claims will be reconsidered after additional evidence is obtained.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, initial ratings for left knee conditions, and a TDIU prior to August 13, 2002. The issues are being remanded due to requests from the Veteran's attorney for examiner CVs and outstanding VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that additional action is required for the right knee disability claim due to new evidence received since the last decision. The TDIU issue from October 25, 2016 until January 28, 2022 is also remanded.