Knee decisions — 2022

The Board has determined that more development is needed to determine the nature and extent of any employment during the pendency of this appeal, as well as service connection for various conditions. The claims are being remanded for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him bedridden or in need of regular aid and attendance, thus his claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that there was no causal relationship between his in-service injury and current condition. The Board also found no evidence of secondary service connection due to his service-connected left knee DJD.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for hypertension, including as secondary to right and left knee disabilities. The remand requires an addendum opinion from a clinician regarding whether the Veteran's hypertension is at least as likely as not proximately due to or aggravated beyond its natural progression by his service-connected knee disabilities, including medications used to treat his knee conditions.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral ankle and right knee disabilities due to insufficient examination reports addressing the Veteran's reports of flare-ups.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to outstanding VA and private treatment records, as well as potential SSA disability benefits records. The RO must associate these records with the claim.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a nexus to active service.

The Board has found that additional development is necessary for the service connection claims related to right heel disability, right ankle disability, headaches, left knee disability, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hammertoe deformities and knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since June 15, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with the exception of his claim for a higher rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy from August 6, 2020 forward. The combined disability rating exceeded 90 percent since August 18, 2008.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and a TDIU was denied. The left knee degenerative joint disease with limitation of flexion is rated at 10%. Left knee instability from August 7, 2014 to November 13, 2020 and since June 1, 2021 is rated at 10%, while the semilunar cartilage condition (meniscal tear) is rated at 10% effective from June 1, 2021. The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's left knee and back disabilities, as well as his Chron's disease.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for right knee disability. The Veteran's testimony regarding in-service injuries, as well as credible statements from him and corroborating service treatment records, support his theory of entitlement. However, a VA medical opinion is needed to address whether the current right knee disability is related to an in-service injury or event.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left knee disorders and an incomplete opinion from the March 2021 VA examiner. A new examination is needed.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted as service-connected.,His left knee and ankle disorders are not found to be related to his military service, with the exception of a right knee disorder that may be secondary to his left knee disorder. The claims for left knee and ankle disorders are remanded for further development.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not found to be related to his military service.,His right knee disorder is also not found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for instability of the right and left knees, as well as a TDIU from January 10, 2020 through March 17, 2021 are granted. The remaining issues have been remanded for further consideration.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for increased ratings for instability, patellar spurs, and total knee replacement of the right knee. The Board dismissed these claims as per the request.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that the preexisting condition clearly and unmistakably existed prior to service and was not aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic allergies has been reopened and granted. The Veteran is now entitled to a compensable rating for conjunctivitis, effective from August 16, 2017. Other issues remain pending.

The Board has found that there was not substantial compliance with the May 2018 remand directives and has ordered additional development to obtain VA treatment records from Allen Park VAMC, Detroit VAMC, Selfridge Air National Guard Base, and any TRICARE records. The Veteran's claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis of the knees, ankles, arms, hands, feet, and back is remanded.