Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's left knee disability, including ankylosis and instability, is rated at 50% effective October 4, 2022. The initial rating for painful limitation of motion prior to that date remains denied.

The Board has remanded three claims: a rating in excess of 20 percent for the right knee, a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to April 18, 2018, and a rating in excess of 20 percent beginning April 18, 2018 for the left knee, and a claim for TDIU. The remand includes obtaining updated medical records and scheduling another VA examination for the Veteran's bilateral knees.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for residuals of removal of medial meniscus of the right knee was denied. Effective September 17, 2022, he received a separate 10 percent disability rating for limitation of extension and a separate 20 percent disability rating for dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of 'locking,' pain, and effusion into the joint.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee arthritis and service connection for a back condition due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination scheduled in October 2022 resulted in the denial of his claim for TDIU prior to March 28, 2017.

The Veteran's knee disabilities, including left and right lower extremity shin splints with patellofemoral syndrome, were denied increased ratings. The Board found the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for these conditions.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disorder and whether it is aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has granted service connection for left ankle, left knee, and right knee disorders as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected HNP at L5-S1 with degenerative changes and right ankle sprain.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development due to outstanding records and inadequate VA examinations.

The Board granted service connection for an undiagnosed illness with symptoms including headaches and pain of the cervical spine, right elbow, right hand/finger, and left knee. The Veteran was also granted a 70 percent rating for PTSD from January 24, 2020.,PTSD ratings were denied for periods prior to and after January 24, 2020.

The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to service connection for left knee disability, including as secondary to the service-connected right knee disability; entitlement to a higher rating for right knee disability; and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).

The Board granted service connection for low back disability, right patella plica syndrome, right knee instability, and right knee dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion. The effective date is not specified.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected left knee disability, finding that his education and work background do not show he is unemployable solely due to his service-connected condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for lower back, right foot, left foot, right knee, and left knee disorders due to incomplete records from Fort Chaffee.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development and medical opinions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings on several service-connected conditions have been dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claims.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her service-connected bilateral knee and low back disabilities due to inadequate examinations in August 2011. The case will be returned for further examination and rating determinations.

The Board has denied service connection for various conditions including bilateral knee, hip, and foot disorders, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is not service connected, either directly or as secondary to his right knee disability. The evidence does not support a finding of onset during service and there is no persuasive medical opinion linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to incomplete correspondence and the need for a retrospective employment impact assessment.