Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's right knee disability, specifically the instability, is rated at 10 percent since November 29, 2010. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee patella tendonitis, heart disease (including cardiomyopathy), hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea due to the Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination. The issues are inextricably intertwined with each other.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee condition, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began in service and have continued to the present time. The decision is based on direct service connection.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for heart condition, right knee disability, and right hip disability due to incomplete development.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for further development and consideration due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's back, left leg, and left knee disorders.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that they meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthritis, status-post total knee replacements, finding that the Veteran's continuous symptoms since service are sufficient to establish service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as her combined disability rating is at least 70 percent, but she cannot secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to her PTSD and other service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete examination requests and the need for further development, including scheduling a VA examination at an appropriate facility.

The Board has restored a 50% rating for the Veteran's right knee ACL deficiency disability, effective November 1, 2011. The reduction from 50% to 10% was not proper due to lack of material improvement and reasonable certainty that the improvement would be maintained under ordinary conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hand disability and right knee disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a link between his current disabilities and his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further medical examinations and evaluations.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee condition is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding VA medical records and missed VA examinations. The issues of service connection for low back disability, right knee disability, and left arm disability are all remanded.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for sexual dysfunction and granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, alcohol and substance abuse, bilateral pes planus, migraine headaches, cataracts, vertigo, and glaucoma. The claims for left ankle/foot disorders other than pes planus, right knee injuries, and left knee injuries are denied.

The Veteran's right knee scar was not aggravated by service, and the claim for service connection is denied.,An initial rating of 40 percent for lumbar strain prior to April 26, 2022, is granted. The rating will be reduced from that date.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to issues with his right knee, including instability and synovitis. The VA is directed to obtain updated treatment records, schedule an examination, and refer the case to the Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, finding that he was capable of obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment during the relevant period.

The claim for service connection for a right elbow disorder has been reopened and granted.,Issues related to left knee, right knee, gout, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and left knee disorder due to inadequate VA medical opinions in prior decisions. The case is being returned for further development.