Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, effective August 1, 2018. The Board has remanded the case for further development and evaluation.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including instability and limited flexion, is rated at 30 percent effective from May 1, 2015.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal conditions due to incomplete development.

The Board denied an increased rating for the service-connected right knee injury and a higher initial disability rating for the service-connected right knee instability. The Veteran's right knee has been rated at 10 percent since May 2012.

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee lost flexion was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show flexion limited to at least 30 degrees, extension limited to at least 10 degrees, or ankylosis even when considering pain and flare-ups. For TDIU claim, the Veteran's employment status and schedular requirements were considered, and he was deemed not eligible for a TDIU rating.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) because she did not submit a VA Form 21-8940, which is required to determine her eligibility for this benefit.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee strain and lumbosacral spine strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, finding that these conditions originated during active service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, asthma, pes planus, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are denied. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee disability remain on appeal.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, finding that the appellant's preexisting right knee disorder did not worsen during his Reserve enlistment and that he failed to provide evidence of aggravation or injury related to ACDUTRA.

The Veteran's hidradenitis suppurativa and left knee surgical scar were evaluated, but neither condition met the criteria for a higher evaluation. The hidradenitis suppurativa was not found to be more than 40% of the body or exposed areas affected, nor did it require constant or near-constant systemic therapy. The left knee scars were less than one square inch in total and did not involve underlying soft tissue damage.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disorder and denied a compensable disability rating for his bilateral hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for right knee limitation of extension, right knee degenerative joint disease with scar prior to May 16, 2017, and right knee total knee replacement from July 1, 2018. The claim for TDIU is also remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions due to a lack of medical examination or opinion regarding these conditions. The matter is now returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left knee instability is denied. A separate 10 percent rating for limited flexion of the left knee is granted effective June 8, 2021. A 20 percent rating for limited extension of the left knee is granted effective January 24, 2011. The claim for TDIU is remanded.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for sarcoidosis, heart disability, hypertension, achilles tendon disabilities, and lower back/knee disabilities. The case is being remanded.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the service connection claims related to various conditions, including right and left ankle sprains, sinusitis, contact dermatitis, eczema, blisters on the feet, wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sciatica, upper respiratory infection, alopecia, hair implants, DJD of the hip, lumbar spine DDD, and hearing loss. The Board dismissed these claims as a result.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is related to his military service and has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability, finding that it is etiologically related to active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral foot disabilities, finding that there is no evidence linking his current conditions to his active military service.

The Veteran's right elbow disability is granted service connection. The TDIU claim is denied, and the left wrist, left elbow tendonitis, and left knee disability claims are remanded for further examination.