Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's residuals of a right knee replacement are rated at 60 percent, but no higher. The issues of TDIU and SMC based on aid and attendance have been remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for additional development regarding service connection for generalized joint pain affecting multiple joints.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings for patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees, as well as allergic rhinitis, have been dismissed due to the Veteran's withdrawal of these appeals.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) is granted. The claim for a right knee condition is denied, but the case is remanded for further development regarding a left elbow condition.

The Board denied service connection for right knee, left knee, and back disorders as well as diabetes mellitus due to lack of evidence showing chronicity in service or within the applicable presumptive period.,Service connection was also not granted for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to December 14, 2021, for bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations conducted in September 2016 are inadequate and remanded for a fresh examination. The Veteran's claims for service connection for his bilateral shoulders and left knee disabilities are now remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, as there is no evidence showing that his service-connected conditions render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active duty and have continued since.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been rated at 10 percent each, based on limitation of motion. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating for either knee.

The Board has denied a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected left knee strain, finding that the Veteran's flexion is limited to no more than 90 degrees with pain and functional loss. The current 10 percent rating under DC 5260 adequately reflects this limitation.

Service connection is granted for headaches, undiagnosed illness manifested by left elbow pain, and undiagnosed illness manifested by left knee pain. Service connection is also granted for an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and anxiety disorder).,The Veteran's service records show he had a head injury in service which led to recurrent headaches. He has also reported joint pain in his elbows and knees since service, with the pain being exacerbated by physical activities.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted an increased rating to 20 percent effective March 24, 2022. For the period prior to this date, a 10 percent rating was in effect.

The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for VA examinations to determine the severity of the Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities, as well as his entitlement to a TDIU. The issues have been remanded again due to inadequate examination reports.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and a compensable rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for either condition.

The Veteran's claim to reopen entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability is granted, and the Board finds that his current left knee chondromalacia and associated degenerative change are at least as likely as not related to his in-service left knee chondromalacia.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence.,Service connection will be considered on the merits for all conditions listed.

The Board has denied service connection for hernia of the abdomen and groin, as there is no evidence that it was incurred in or aggravated by military service.,Service connection for bilateral knee and arm conditions have also been denied. The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses are not related to his military service.,The Board has remanded the claim for diabetes mellitus, type II, as there is insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's exposure to toxic chemicals.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right knee instability has been dismissed because he withdrew his appeal prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has remanded the claims for right femoral neck stress fracture, right knee strain, and lumbosacral strain due to incomplete development of records and need for retrospective medical opinions regarding functional loss during flare-ups.