Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's monoarticular arthritis with eosinophilic effusion right knee has been rated at 10 percent since April 22, 2010. The Board denied a higher rating for the condition and granted a separate noncompensable rating for limitation of extension of the right knee from April 22, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pinguecula (initially claimed as 'vision problems') has been granted. The claims for increased ratings of the lumbar spine disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee disability and acquired psychiatric disability due to inadequate examination reports. The case will be returned for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the left knee disability and clarifying whether there is a superimposed mental disorder on top of any pre-existing personality disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to October 29, 2010.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection of right and left knee disorders have been dismissed. The Board also found that the claims for a rating in excess of 60 percent for gout, including bilateral knees and feet, and TDIU are remanded due to need for additional evidence.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left knee disability is granted. The right knee rating issue remains pending and will be remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee and low back disabilities due to the Veteran's failure to attend scheduled VA examinations. The cases are now pending for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including increased ratings for various musculoskeletal disorders and a reduction in the rating for DJD of the lumbar spine. The Veteran also has an issue regarding service connection for tinnitus and another concerning TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his left shoulder injury with a history of a partial tendon tear and acromioclavicular joint arthritis, right knee meniscal tear, left ring finger fracture, scars of the right knee and left shoulder, are being remanded for additional development to determine their current severity.

The Veteran's right knee instability is granted a rating of 20 percent, and his right knee flexion disability and symptomatic cartilage removal are each granted a separate 10 percent ratings.

The Board has granted reconsideration of the April 1975 rating decision denying service connection for bilateral pes planus. However, it denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities secondary to bilateral pes planus.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, left knee, and right knee disorders due to deficiencies in the VA examination opinions. The claims are pending further development.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his reported in-service injuries and ongoing musculoskeletal disabilities. The Veteran is also required to have his complete service personnel records verified, including any service in Vietnam or its surrounding waterways. Additionally, a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current diagnoses of diabetes mellitus, Type II, and hypertension are related to his period of active service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his left knee condition is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in the examination findings and the need for further clarification regarding left knee effusion, instability, and use of assistive devices.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee instability.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right wrist, right shoulder, and bilateral knee disabilities due to insufficient medical opinions addressing the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is being remanded for additional development, including consideration of flare-ups and repetitive use over time.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus type 2 is being remanded as the VA examination did not adequately address the etiology of his condition or consider his service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is being remanded due to insufficient reasoning in the VA examination report.,The Veteran's bilateral neuropathy of the hands and feet are being remanded for additional development, including consideration of flare-ups and repetitive use over time.,The Veteran's vision disorder is being remanded as the VA examination did not adequately address his condition or consider his service-connected conditions.,The Veteran's bladder disorder with voiding dysfunction is being remanded due to insufficient reasoning in the VA examination report.

The Veteran's service-connected hypertension, left knee joint osteoarthritis and patellofemoral syndrome, right knee osteoarthritis, left hip trochanteric pain syndrome with thigh impairment, and hypertension are found to meet the criteria for a TDIU due to their combined effect on his ability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete information and need for additional medical opinions regarding his claimed conditions.