Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) was denied as there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or objective indications of a qualifying chronic disability.,Service connection for low back disorder and left knee disorder were also denied due to lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims in writing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for depression, right knee disability, left knee disability, and lumbar degenerative changes as there was no new and material evidence submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to incomplete examinations. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is inextricably intertwined with the rating issues.

The Board has determined that the requested development was not completed and thus remanding for further action, including obtaining an addendum opinion from an appropriate clinician to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right knee disorder.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent for limitation of flexion, but a separate rating for instability from July 15, 2018, is granted. The claim remains remanded due to the need for additional development regarding flare-ups and functional impairment.

The Veteran's left knee chondromalacia and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and intervertebral disc syndrome are currently rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. The Veteran is not entitled to higher ratings for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, but denied service connection for his left ankle and foot disabilities. The decision is based on a finding that there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to service.

Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is granted, and service connection for other foot conditions (right and left) are dismissed. Service connection for low back disability, bilateral lower extremity neurological condition, pes planus, right and left foot Morton's neuroma, right and left foot hammer toes, right and left knee disabilities, and right and left ankle disabilities are remanded.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for a left knee disorder and hypertension have been dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected PTSD, bilateral knee disability, prostate condition, hypertension, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss. The Board finds that these disabilities prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to obtain missing service treatment records and a folder labeled medical records. The right knee disability and PTSD claims are being reviewed again, while the pension benefits claim is inextricably intertwined with these issues.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if there is a nexus between the Veteran's current disabilities (right knee disability, lymphoma, skin cancer) and his active service.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, diagnosed as arthritis. The claim of entitlement to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disability due to incomplete records and inadequate examinations. Further development is required.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee condition. The claim will be reviewed again with a new medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, to include as secondary to a service-connected right ankle disability. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's left knee brace, which is service-connected and required for his disability, tends to wear out or tear clothing. The Board has granted an annual VA clothing allowance for the year 2015.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities has been dismissed.,Both knees were previously rated at 30 percent prior to November 14, 2019. The Board found that the evidence supports a 60 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5055 for both knees during this period.

The Veteran's left knee disorder, including limited flexion and extension, lateral instability, and arthroscopy residuals, has been granted a 60 percent rating since December 1, 2021.