Knee decisions — 2022

The Board denied service connection for a torn right knee meniscus, finding that the evidence did not support a causal relationship to active service or service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including limitation of flexion and instability, is granted with a 10 percent rating. The Veteran's left shin splints are not compensable.

The Board has found that another remand is required for the Veteran's service connection claims for left knee and bilateral feet conditions, as well as his TDIU claim. The VA examiner must provide opinions regarding the causal link between the Veteran's current disorders and his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee s/p arthroplasty, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claims.

The Board has determined that a new VA examination is needed for the Veteran's right ear hearing loss and left ear hearing loss claims due to inconsistencies with previous examinations. The Veteran also needs updated VA treatment records, an audiological examination, and a knee disability examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral knee and ankle disabilities due to a lack of substantial compliance with prior remand directives. Additional VA medical opinions are needed to address causation and aggravation.

The Veteran's service connection claim for rhinitis, claimed as a respiratory disorder, is granted. The remaining claims are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder is granted as secondary to his service-connected left ankle and bilateral knee disabilities. The initial evaluations for the left shoulder, left and right knees are denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right and left knee disabilities due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the severity of his conditions prior to September 14, 2019. The Veteran is also being asked to provide a retrospective opinion on the extent of his functional loss during flare-ups and after repetition over time.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection claims due to his withdrawal of those issues prior to a decision being made.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to difficulties in scheduling VA examinations. The Veteran is asked to provide her contact information and attend the requested VA examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to incomplete examinations and other issues.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he is not unable to perform basic self-care functions or be in need of regular aid and assistance from others. The Board also found no evidence of housebound status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding that there was clear and unmistakable evidence of preexisting conditions that were not aggravated by military service.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development due to incomplete records and missed VA examinations. The Veteran's TBI, vertigo, blurred vision, left knee disability, sciatica, bilateral hearing loss, and temporomandibular joint disability are all under review.

The Veteran's left femur disability, lateral instability of the left knee, and limitation of extension of the left leg are all granted. However, service connection for shortening of the left leg is denied.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The issues of service connection for a psychiatric disability, headache disability, PFB, bilateral pes planus, and left knee disability are remanded.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased evaluation for PTSD was dismissed.,Service connection for right knee pain and arthritis, left knee pain and arthritis, and lumbar spine condition were granted.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU benefits is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of new evidence. The case will be returned to the AOJ for issuance of a supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a respiratory disability was denied. His right knee disability claim was granted, and he is now entitled to a 40% rating for bladder dysfunction. The secondary service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder (MDD) has been granted.