Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (lumbosacral strain, left knee patellofemoral syndrome with arthritis, right knee patellofemoral syndrome with arthritis, and right shoulder limitation of motion) rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation from December 30, 2011, to July 30, 2014.

The appeal for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability, claimed as anxiety and depression, is dismissed. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for bilateral knee disability, bilateral foot disability, cardiac disability, and residuals of appendectomy.

The Board has determined that the February 15, 2018, notices of disagreement are untimely for the issues related to right knee, right hip, left ankle disabilities and hemorrhoids. The claims will be remanded for issuance of a Statement of the Case.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, and bilateral pes planus due to inadequate medical opinions.

The Board has determined that additional relevant VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disability. The decision is remanded due to inadequate opinions from the July 2015 VA examiner regarding the etiology of any current right knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities and entitlement to TDIU due to pending issues with new evidence.

The Veteran's right knee dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of 'locking', pain, and effusion into the joint is rated at 20 percent prior to July 18, 2013. The rating for instability and painful motion remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to address his claims of service connection for left knee, back, right leg, and headaches disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability. The Veteran is seeking service connection for this condition, which will now be reviewed with a new medical examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is secondary to his service-connected left knee strain. The RO must provide copies of all relevant opinions and obtain a new physical examination.

The Veteran's appeals for left knee condition, hypertension, and left shoulder condition have been dismissed.,His appeal for service connection for left ear hearing loss has been denied. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a current diagnosis of hearing loss for VA purposes.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee extension prior to August 27, 2019.

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's lumbar spine, knee, shin splints, and bilateral feet disabilities due to outstanding VA treatment records and need for new examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further evidentiary development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected left knee disorder and scar.

The Board has denied service connection for a right knee disability, lumbosacral spine disability, trigger finger in both hands, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the bilateral upper extremities due to lack of evidence supporting an in-service event or continuous post-service disability. The claims are remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and a rating in excess of 40 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis with limitation of extension, as well as the TDIU claim due to lack of relevant medical records.

The Veteran's PTSD with alcohol use disorder is currently rated at 70 percent, and the Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome and tendonitis are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has dismissed all claims for service connection due to the Veteran's death.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disabilities and whether they are related to service or aggravated by a pre-existing condition. The Veteran is required to provide additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, left knee disability, and obstructive sleep apnea due to concerns about the competency of the VA examiner who conducted the March 2022 examination.