Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's right knee disability was granted a 10% rating effective September 1, 2009. The left knee disability and other disabilities were also granted ratings based on the severity of their symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right and left knee disorders, as well as his claim for TDIU prior to August 28, 2017. Additional evidence was submitted since the last SSOC but not previously considered by the AOJ.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including residuals of meniscectomy and instability, is rated at 10 percent. The limitation of flexion remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for low back strain and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increased rating for her low back disability, as she had not demonstrated ankylosis or IVDS with incapacitating episodes. For TDIU, the Veteran met the schedular criteria but failed to show that she is precluded from substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations of his left knee and left upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee disability and migraines, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are proximately due to his service-connected left leg shin splints.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, but has remanded her claims for arthritis of the knees due to outstanding VA treatment records and a need for an opinion on the etiology of her diabetes.

The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a finding of service connection for residuals of pneumonia, bilateral flat feet (pes planus), low back disorder, right and left knee disorders, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), sleep apnea, residuals of traumatic brain injury (TBI), or headaches. The Veteran's claims are remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for depression disorder, left knee disability, left ankle disability, and left foot disability were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his depression disorder or for service connection for his left knee, left ankle, and left foot disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for right and left knee strain, limitation of extension and flexion due to changes in diagnostic codes used and the need to provide proper notice.

The Veteran's service connection claim for a left knee meniscal tear status post arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy is granted. The temporary total rating based on treatment for the service-connected condition requiring convalescence is denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral meniscal tears and left knee ACL tear, as these conditions pre-existed his periods of active duty. The Board requested an addendum opinion to determine if these conditions were aggravated by service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable before June 25, 2019. His TDIU claim was denied as his disabilities were not severe enough to prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee and bilateral foot disabilities due to insufficient evidence of a nexus between current disability and military service.

The Veteran's left knee disability was rated at 30 percent from January 8, 2010 to December 3, 2019.,Since December 3, 2019, the rating for the left knee disability has not exceeded 30 percent.

The Veteran's right and left knee conditions are granted as service connected.,The Veteran's low back condition is also granted as service connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities have been remanded due to procedural errors in the appeal process.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability, finding that the Veteran's current right knee joint osteoarthritis had its onset during active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, resulting in the grant of TDIU.

The Veteran's right knee instability is currently rated at 20% and the appeal for a higher rating is denied.,The Veteran's right knee arthritis with meniscus tear was previously rated at 10%, but now rated at 30%. The appeal for an increased rating remains pending as the maximum schedular rating has not been assigned from the date of claims.,The Veteran's left knee arthritis is currently rated at 10% and the appeal for a higher rating is denied.