Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee claimed as instability has been withdrawn. The Veteran's left ankle condition is granted service connection due to its being proximately due to his service-connected left knee disability. The cases of hypertension and hip conditions are remanded for further review.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and TDIU as they have been fully granted in a February 2021 rating decision.

The Board has denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the issues of service connection for left knee disability and right knee disability due to lack of evidence meeting VA criteria for a current disability.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right knee disability and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) due to inadequate opinions in the previous VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the bilateral hips, knees, feet, and shoulders as well as gout of the toes due to new evidence submitted since previous decisions. The claims are now pending for further examination and medical opinion.

The Veteran's pes planus was granted a higher rating of 50 percent since January 18, 2021. The remaining issues were remanded for further development.,Service connection was established for stomach disability and hypertension.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for residuals of a stress fracture of the left tibia and left knee instability has been granted, with an initial compensable rating of 20 percent for the left tibia disability and a separate rating of 10 percent for the left knee instability.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional medical opinions to clarify whether the Veteran's left knee disability and lumbar spine DDD with functional ankylosis during flare-ups warrant increased ratings.

The Board has remanded several claims for further development and review.,The Veteran's sleep apnea claim is being reviewed to determine if it is secondary to his service-connected psychiatric disability (Chronic Adjustment Disorder).,The matter of whether the Veteran's Mild Neurocognitive Disorder (manifesting as memory loss) is secondary to his newly service-connected psychiatric disability will be submitted for review.,The Board has remanded several claims related to sleep apnea and its relationship to the Veteran's service-connected inguinal hernia and surgical scar.,Several skin disorder claims are being reviewed, including whether they are secondary to exposure to herbicide agents or other chemicals.,The Veteran's hypertension claim is being reviewed for secondary service connection based on his service-connected inguinal hernia and/or exposure to herbicide agents.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus claim is also being reviewed for secondary service connection based on his service-connected inguinal hernia and/or exposure to herbicide agents.,Several other claims are being remanded, including those related to sleep apnea, memory loss, skin disorders, heart disorder, sinus disorder, left shoulder disorder, gout, knee disorder, leg disorder, visual disorder, prostate disorder, foot disorder, and thyroid disorder.,The Veteran's TDIU claim is also being reviewed.

The Veteran's TDIU claim was granted from February 7, 2014, as he had a combined rating of 60% for his service-connected disabilities. The decision acknowledges that the Veteran is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected low back disability and associated radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a heart disability, and bilateral knee disability due to incomplete verification of his military service records and outstanding medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, right knee condition, right ankle condition, and left ankle condition are being REMANDED due to the need to obtain missing service treatment records and personnel records. The Veteran is also seeking VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's left foot disorder, including plantar fasciitis and degenerative arthritis, was not incurred in or related to service. The right knee instability has been granted an initial rating of 20 percent since December 12, 2019.,Ratings for the right patella chondromalacia due to limitation of extension and right knee limitation of flexion remain denied.

The Board has determined that a remand is required to ensure the Veteran receives due process for his knee disabilities. The rating criteria for evaluating musculoskeletal disabilities under 38 C.F.R. � 4.71a were amended effective February 7, 2021. The matter will be considered under both old and new rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is at least as likely as not related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including new VA examinations to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right knee disorder and residual scars of the right knee. The effective date for the grant of service connection remains denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinions and additional evidence that must be addressed by a qualified medical professional.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the severity of his right knee disability, which may have worsened since the last examination.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the right knee condition is proximately due or the result of the service-connected left knee condition, and if so, whether it is aggravated by that condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to obtain private treatment records from Dr. J.M., which may contain relevant evidence for reopening the service connection claim.