Knee decisions — 2022

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there is no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicides or other factors linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has remanded several issues related to his low back pain, neck disability, chest pain, shoulder disabilities, and knee disabilities.

Your appeal has been dismissed because the Veteran died during the pendency of your case. The Board does not have jurisdiction to decide the merits of your claims now.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his lumbar spine disability, left knee patellofemoral syndrome, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and limitation of extension. The issues also include seeking compensable ratings for popping and locking of the left knee and limitation of extension of the right knee.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for right knee disability was denied. A compensable rating prior to July 5, 2019, and a 30 percent rating from that date were granted for pseudofolliculitis barbae (shaving irritation). Service connection for diabetes mellitus, vision loss secondary to diabetes mellitus, and tinnitus were all denied. The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, left thigh disability, left hip disability, and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to deficiencies in the February 2016 and December 2019 VA examinations regarding right knee functional loss. The Veteran needs a new examination to assess his current range of motion and any additional limitations caused by flare-ups or repetitive use.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee and left knee chondromalacia patella, but remanded the claims for bilateral knee arthritis, cervical spine condition, increased rating for bilateral hearing loss, service connection for hypertension, and total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting left knee disability was aggravated during service, and therefore grants service connection for the condition.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for several service connection claims, including deviated septum, ankle strains, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis of the left knee, and shin splints. The Board dismissed these claims as a result.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions. The Veteran's statements about experiencing symptoms since service are considered credible.

The Veteran's hypertension and right knee disability have been remanded for further examination and rating considerations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, a low back disability, and a right knee disability. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or are related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability has been reopened, but the Board finds that new and material evidence does not establish an in-service injury or disease. The current knee condition is also not related to service.,Service connection for a bilateral knee disability cannot be established as there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or event leading to current symptoms.,The Veteran's claim for high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and heart disease are remanded due to the need to determine if he served within 12 nautical miles from Vietnam shores during his service aboard USS Okinawa. The claims for sleep apnea and an acquired psychiatric disorder (likely depression) also require additional development.,Service connection for a respiratory disorder is remanded as the Veteran needs to confirm his report of exposure to burning feces in service.,The Veteran's bilateral foot disability claim requires further examination to determine if it is related to service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection of right and left knee conditions due to insufficient evidence. A VA examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities.

The Veteran's left knee extension is currently rated as 20 percent disabled prior to May 29, 2018, and 30 percent thereafter. His left knee flexion is rated noncompensable prior to November 13, 2020, and 30 percent thereafter. The case has been remanded for further development.

The Board dismissed the appeals as to whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen claims for bilateral knee disability and acquired psychiatric disorder. The appeal was also dismissed due to the appellant's death.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, left wrist disorder, and left knee disorder due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disorder was not present in service or until many years after service, and is not related to his military service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a right knee disorder has been denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a right knee condition and skin condition due to inadequate compliance with previous remand directives. Further development is required, including additional VA examinations.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability, finding no link between the Veteran's right ankle sprain and his current left knee condition. The Board also found no evidence of a knee disability during service or within one year after service.