Knee decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate examination and inability to differentiate between service-connected left knee symptoms and non-service-connected stiff person syndrome (SPS) symptoms.

The Veteran's lower back and right knee disabilities have been evaluated, but the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the current evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, except for his service-connected psychiatric disability, have rendered him unemployable since May 7, 2012 and on and after July 22, 2020.,The Board has granted a TDIU from May 7, 2012 to February 25, 2013 and on and after July 22, 2020 based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities other than his service-connected psychiatric disability.

The Veteran requested to withdraw all his claims, including service connection for bilateral hearing loss, hypertension, a right shoulder disorder, a left shoulder disorder, a lumbar spine disorder, a left knee disorder, a right ankle disorder, a left ankle disorder, and a bilateral foot disorder. As a result, the appeals are dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his bilateral knees, and for special monthly compensation (SMC) are remanded due to the need for additional examinations. The claim for TDIU is also remanded as the Veteran has not provided an updated VA Form 21-8940.

The Board has found that the RO did not comply with prior remand directives and has ordered another VA examination to address whether the Veteran's bilateral lower extremity varicosities, right and left ankle conditions, and right and left knee conditions are at least as likely as not aggravated by his service-connected residuals of right foot 3rd metatarsal fracture.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral hand, shoulder, knee, carpal tunnel syndrome, and headache disabilities as the evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions began during or were related to active service.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection of various conditions, including left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, neck disorder, back disorder, and right knee disorder. The claims are being remanded to allow for further development.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for sinusitis, right knee disability, left elbow disability, and right hip disability due to incomplete opinions in prior decisions. Further development is needed to address whether these conditions are related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is granted as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.,An initial rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's left wrist tendon laceration is granted, effective from September 11, 2017.

The Veteran's right knee extension was limited to 15 degrees throughout the appeal period, warranting a 20 percent rating. The Veteran also has moderate instability in his right knee, which is supported by medical records and lay statements. These findings justify granting a separate 20 percent disability rating for right knee instability.

The Board has granted an effective date of February 10, 2003 for the award of a TDIU on a schedular basis. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to March 20, 2009 is remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that any of these conditions began in service or are related to service.,New and relevant evidence has not been submitted to support the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, right and left knee conditions, patellar tendinitis, and tinnitus, preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment. As a result, the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's claim for service connection for an eye condition is denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, back disability, and neck disability are remanded due to duty to assist error.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and left knee conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between the current disabilities and military service.

The Veteran's entitlement to clothing allowances for the use of a right knee brace and shoulder harness/hand/elbow brace is granted, but not for the privately obtained hand/elbow brace.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine condition and left knee condition due to insufficient consideration of all relevant evidence, including his in-service complaints and current treatment records. A VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are related to service or secondary to other service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for lumbar strain, right knee disability, and left knee disability have been dismissed as the Veteran requested withdrawal of these appeals.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right knee disability and bilateral eye issues due to incomplete medical records, lack of adequate opinion regarding secondary service connection, and need for further examination.