Knee decisions — 2022

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and a spine disability, finding that there is no probative evidence of record to support these claims.

The Veteran's left knee disability of spurring left patella, degenerative arthritis is rated at 20 percent prior to September 30, 2021 and increased to 30 percent as of that date. A separate 10 percent rating for instability is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for atherosclerosis of the heart and secondary service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right hip, left hip, right knee, left knee, right Achilles tendinopathy, and a right leg disorder (including bone spurs and muscle atrophy) as secondary to service-connected left Achilles tendinopathy.,Service connection was denied for hypertriglyceridemia.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for limitation of extension of the right knee, but denied an increased rating for limitation of flexion. The Veteran's symptoms have been stable and do not warrant higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for bilateral hand and knee disabilities due to conflicting etiological opinions and inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and rating of left knee and wrist disabilities due to additional examination and review of records. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's PTSD with MDD is not rated higher than 70 percent. From June 1, 2014 to December 3, 2019, the Veteran's DDD with spondylosis of the lumbar spine was granted a 20 percent rating. The Veteran's meniscal and ACL tears status post-surgery with degenerative arthritis of the right knee were granted a 20 percent rating from June 14, 2019. The Veteran's trochanteric pain syndrome of the right hip was granted a 20 percent rating starting from June 19, 2017.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, left shoulder derangement/impingement syndrome, right knee limitation of extension, and right knee limitation of flexion are being remanded due to the need for additional medical records.

The Board remands the case for further evidentiary development to ensure compliance with its prior remand instructions.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) from September 1, 2016 to December 12, 2019, but the claim for a higher rating for right knee disability post-total knee replacement since September 1, 2016 was denied.

The Board granted a separate 10 percent rating from December 7, 2016 to July 1, 2021 for right knee anterior instability and a separate 20 percent rating from November 5, 2020 for a right knee meniscal condition with frequent episodes of locking and pain.

The Board remands the claims for service connection for a dental disability and right knee disability to allow review of additional evidence by the agency of original jurisdiction.

The Veteran was granted a disability rating of 60 percent, but no greater, for left total knee replacement from July 1, 2013. The claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities was denied.

Service connection is granted for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and chondromalacia, primary insomnia, and PTSD and MDD.,The Veteran's joint pain condition, right knee disability, and genitourinary disability are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his right knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence of record. The Veteran will need a new VA examination and addendum opinions regarding erectile dysfunction, as well as an updated VA examination for his right knee conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and total disability due to individual unemployability. The remaining claims, including those related to bilateral hearing loss, pes planus, cervical spine disability, petit mal seizures, TBI, right ankle and knee disabilities, OSA, and an acquired psychiatric disability, are remanded as additional medical examinations or opinions are needed.

The appeal for service connection for a left knee disorder is remanded for further development, including an adequate medical opinion.

The Veteran's right knee instability and meniscus disorder are granted with separate ratings, while her limitation of motion is denied. The left total knee arthroplasty is granted at a maximum rating.

The Board granted an initial 10 percent rating for hypertension and remanded the claims for service connection for right and left shoulder disorders, right and left hand numbness, and right and left knee disorders.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new examination to address the severity of his cervical spine disability and its impact on his ability to work.