Knee decisions — 2022

The Board granted a separate rating of 20 percent for left knee meniscal tear effective December 12, 2019, but denied an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia of the left knee. The claim for service connection for painful joints was remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to procedural issues, the need for additional VA examinations, and the need for retrospective opinions regarding flare-ups and surgery.

The Board granted service connection for right ankle arthropathy as secondary to a left leg disability and an initial rating of 10 percent for bilateral acquired flatfoot from September 23, 2011.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's symptoms began during his active duty and are related to his in-service diagnosis of chondromalacia patella.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left knee and right ankle disorders due to new evidence received. The claim for tinnitus is granted.

The Veteran's service connection claims for DJD of the lumbar spine and degenerative arthritis of the left knee have been granted. The Board has also remanded for further examination to determine if the Veteran's neck, upper leg/hip, and headache conditions are related to his in-service injuries.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various foot, ankle, knee, and hip disorders as well as radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The issues are related to her service-connected chronic mild lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's DJD of the bilateral knees was granted an increased rating to 20 percent effective February 15, 2021. The left knee and right knee were each rated separately at this time.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination. The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of wisdom teeth removal is denied, while his claim for a left knee disability is sent back to be evaluated again.

The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral knee disabilities, digestive system disorder (IBS and GERD), hypertension, and bilateral hearing loss due to inadequate opinions in the June 2021 VA examinations.

The Board denied a TDIU on an extraschedular basis prior to August 14, 2020 due to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities not precluding substantially gainful employment.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims for various conditions as the Veteran died during the appeal process.

The Veteran's claims for an increased rating and earlier effective date for her right foot disability and right knee scar disability are denied. The Board found that the Veteran is already in receipt of the maximum schedular ratings available under Diagnostic Code 5281, which pertains to hallux rigidus.

The Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for a right knee disability, an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 14, 2019, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter, for a back disability, and service connection for MRSA are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration.

The Board has remanded the claims for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for a low back disability and right knee disability due to inadequate VA examinations in previous years.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent for the period prior to May 11, 2017 and from July 1, 2017 until June 1, 2021. The appeal for higher ratings based on limited flexion or extension is denied.

The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for migraines is denied.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for right foot pes planus and left foot pes planus are granted.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities have been rated based on limitation of motion. The left knee has a separate rating for extension, and the right knee has a rating for instability. Both knees are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting right knee disability was aggravated by his active service, and therefore grants service connection for a right knee disability.