Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for knee conditions are being remanded due to the addition of new evidence since the last SSOC.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and TDIU due to unresolved medical opinions regarding his left knee disorder and low back disorder. The claims will be reviewed again with new evidence considered.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for right and left total knee replacements since June 1, 2019.

The Board has determined that the appeal regarding service connection for a back disability, right knee disability, and allergic rhinitis is remanded due to need for new evidence.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability is granted as her current diagnosis and in-service event elements are met, and the evidence supports a finding that her bilateral knee disability is etiologically related to her active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of his lumbar spine, right and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, effective November 17, 2016. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation as there was no indication of functional loss due to pain or other factors.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain and left knee DJD is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations that comply with VA examination requirements.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection for tinnitus, finding no claim was submitted prior to November 21, 2015. The Veteran's motion alleging clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in the decision was denied.

The Veteran's representative withdrew all claims related to left knee pain, sleep apnea, and a left foot strain from the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder impingement syndrome and right knee strain. The remaining issues, including rating claims and TDIU prior to October 26, 2010, are remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities due to inconsistencies in the March 2022 VA examination report. The Veteran is also being remanded for a retrospective opinion regarding functional loss during flare-ups.

The Board has determined that remand is necessary to obtain retrospective opinions addressing the adequacy of range-of-motion findings for the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities, as these examinations are inadequate for readjudicating the appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration, including effectuating a previous decision granting a separate 30 percent rating for right knee instability and dislocation. The Veteran's claims of entitlement to an extra-schedular rating for his service-connected right knee disability and TDIU are also being considered.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including osteoarthritis, meniscal tear, and patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS), is considered service-connected as it began during his active duty.

The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 30 percent from January 23, 2014 to May 19, 2016. The Board found that a higher rating is not warranted for this period.,A 60 percent rating, but no higher, has been granted for the Veteran's right knee disability since September 1, 2014.

The Veteran's myositis ossificans of the left thigh and left knee disability have been granted separate ratings, with a 10 percent rating for limitation of flexion and another 10 percent rating for limitation of extension. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for myositis ossificans has not been granted.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation due to left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome requiring convalescence is being remanded as the VA opinions are insufficient and an additional examination is needed.

The Board has withdrawn the issue of whether new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim for service connection for a right ankle disability. The claims for left shoulder, right shoulder, left hip, low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities have been reopened due to receipt of new and material evidence. These issues are now remanded for additional development.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including patellofemoral pain syndrome and instability, is being remanded for further examination to determine the appropriate disability ratings. Additionally, TDIU prior to July 17, 2015, remains in dispute.