Knee decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and requests for additional information. The Veteran's right knee disorder is being reviewed again, with a focus on whether it is related to service or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for right knee degenerative joint disease was denied as the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the VA examinations conducted prior to October 2016 do not fully comply with the last sentence of 38 C.F.R. § 4.59, which requires testing of the joints for pain on both active and passive motion in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing positions. The Veteran's reports of flare-ups were not adequately addressed by the VA examiners.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including consideration of new VA treatment records and hospitalization reports. The issues include rating adjustments for various conditions and service connection for additional disabilities.

The Veteran's irritable bowel syndrome with hemochromatosis and arthralgia of the hands, shoulders, and knees are rated at their maximum levels. The scar and disfigurement from chemotherapy port insertion is rated as 10 percent disabling, and a separate rating for painful scars is also granted.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for SMC based on aid and attendance at a higher rate due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The issue of entitlement to specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right ankle and left knee disabilities are granted as service-connected.,For the cervical spine DDD, a separate rating of at least 10 percent for radiculopathy in the left upper extremity is granted. For the lumbar spine DDD, a separate rating of at least 10 percent for radiculopathy in the left lower extremity is granted.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and bilateral hearing loss due to outstanding private treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and various other conditions are granted. The Board found that the Veteran's current disabilities were related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's thyroid condition, but has remanded the issues of service connection for back, neck, and bilateral knee conditions due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for right hip, left knee, and right knee disabilities as well as migraine headaches due to insufficient rationale in previous medical opinions. The claims are being returned for further development.

The Board denied the Veteran's earlier effective date claim for his left eye scar, as August 29, 2011 is considered the earliest available effective date.,The reduction of the Veteran's left knee rating from 50% to 30% was found proper based on improvement in his condition since October 27, 2016 when he underwent total knee replacement.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection of left foot, right knee, left knee, and jaw disabilities. However, these claims are being remanded as further development is needed.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional examinations and medical opinions to determine the severity of his low back, right ankle, right knee, and bilateral feet disabilities. The claims are not currently decided on service connection.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU can be adjudicated. The case is REMANDED to obtain VA treatment records, conduct new examinations, and readjudicate the issues.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for low back disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and bilateral foot disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The Veteran was unable to attend a VA examination and provided testimony describing his injuries during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a Joint Motion for Partial Remand (JMPR). The Veteran's claims include psychiatric disorders, OSA, and knee disorders. Further examinations are needed to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's right and left knee total arthroplasties have not resulted in severe painful motion or weakness, as required for a higher evaluation. The current evaluations of 30% are deemed appropriate.

The appeal for service connection of various disabilities, including a right lower extremity disability, has been dismissed as the Veteran's claim was granted in full. The remaining issues have been remanded for further review.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and bilateral flatfoot disability due to insufficient evidence in the record. The Veteran testified that his current disabilities are related to service, specifically overcompensating on his left knee from his left knee tendonitis causing him pain in his right knee.