Knee decisions — 2022

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, finding that his current conditions are related to his service-connected pes planus with foot cramps.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right hip disabilities are related to his active military service, granting service connection for these conditions.,The Board also found that the Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are related to his active military service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims of increased ratings for his right knee disability and TDIU prior to September 18, 2013 were granted. The Board also remanded other issues including service connection for left knee disability.

The Veteran's knee brace, used for his service-connected left knee strain and right knee chondromalacia, causes wear and tear to his clothing. The Board granted a clothing allowance for the year 2017 due to this issue.

The Board has granted service connection for neck, back, bilateral knee, bilateral ankle, and bilateral hip disabilities on a direct basis. The claim for sleep disorder, including sleep apnea, is remanded for further development.

The Veteran was granted a TDIU rating for the period from July 1, 2016 to August 31, 2018. For the periods prior to and after this date, the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for a TDIU.

The rating reduction from 100% to 50% for the Veteran's service-connected obstructive sleep apnea was proper, and entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 50% is denied. The severance of SMC based on housebound status was also proper, and restoration is denied. Entitlement to SMC from July 1, 2015 to December 30, 2016 is denied.

The Board dismissed the appeals of the Veteran's claims for service connection due to his death.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for gastritis and GERD is remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding the effective date and initial rating assigned.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, left knee disability, and right hip disorder are remanded as additional examinations are needed to address functional loss during flare-ups and on repetitive use over time.,The Veteran's claim for TDIU prior to June 19, 2009, is referred to the Director, Compensation Service, due to insufficient evidence showing unemployability by reason of service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, left knee disability, and right knee disability due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The right knee degenerative joint disease and instability, as well as the left knee disability, are all rated at their maximum levels.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left hip and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examination reports. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it could significantly impact the outcome of these claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's bilateral knee condition and his service, including airborne training jumps. The Veteran contends that his current knee condition is related to service, but a VA addendum opinion is needed to address this claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current knee disabilities to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current disabilities, specifically osteonecrosis of the knees, ankles, and hips. The examiner is asked to provide an opinion on whether these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or aggravated his obesity, which in turn contributed to his causes of death (CAD and DMII).

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral knee disability and remanded the issues of service connection for lumbar spine disorder, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, urinary incontinence, and cervical spine disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional medical opinions regarding the range of motion and functional loss of his right knee disability, as well as clarification on when he last worked full-time. The TDIU claim is also remanded due to its inextricably intertwined nature with the increased rating claim.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss. The appeal is pending resolution.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient retrospective opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee disability, and additional development is needed.