Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected physical disabilities, which have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment since July 29, 2014.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment in the competitive market, necessitating a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea is granted as service-connected, and a rating of 10 percent for his left knee disability is granted prior to November 14, 2019. However, the claim for higher ratings since that date is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine, left shoulder, and left knee disabilities. The Veteran's current conditions are deemed to be directly related to his active military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for increased disability ratings and service connection, finding that there was no pending claim prior to February 23, 2021. The effective date of the awards is set at February 23, 2021.

The Veteran's Lewy body dementia has been granted service connection as it is found to be related to his service-connected hypertension.,Service connection for the right knee disorder remains pending and will require further examination.

The Veteran's PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and tinnitus are granted with specific ratings. The left knee disability is granted at a 50% rating but no higher. Service connection for shrapnel wounds of the left hand is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and failure to consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding left knee instability. Additional development is needed, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for PTSD and bilateral knee injuries, and the Board dismissed these claims.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for left knee degenerative joint disease was denied. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) was granted, and the appeal regarding service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder was dismissed.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic right knee disorder, finding that the current disorder is not causally related to service and does not meet any of the presumptive criteria.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as his claim for compensation under 38 USC § 1151 for TBI residuals. The RO is instructed to obtain private medical records and schedule the Veteran for VA examinations to address these issues.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for renal manifestations, amputation of the left lower limb above the knee, right leg disability, and right knee disability due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran's VA treatment records note reports of symptoms in these areas during active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee partial medial meniscectomy residuals, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated during her period of active duty.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted in an October 2020 rating decision, which represents a full grant of the benefits sought on appeal. As there is no case or controversy for the Board to adjudicate, the claim is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to new evidence being associated with the record.

The Board denied service connection for low back disability, left hip disability, left knee disability, left big toe disability, right big toe disability, right hip disability, and right shoulder disability.,There is no current diagnosis or evidence of a chronic condition for any of the claimed disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim for eligibility to VA benefits based on qualifying service. The issue of service connection for PTSD for compensation purposes is inextricably intertwined with this matter and must be remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in its decision regarding TDIU and DEA benefits, specifically for the period prior to April 4, 2011. The Veteran's service-connected conditions are expected to be reassessed on remand.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and consideration of lay statements regarding his knee symptoms.