Knee decisions — 2022

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

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in permanent impairment of both eyes, severe burn injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ankylosis of a knee or hip, or loss of use of a hand or foot such that no effective function remains other than that which would be equally well served by an amputation stump at the site of election below the elbow or knee with the use of a suitable prosthetic appliance. Therefore, eligibility for financial assistance for automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or for adaptive equipment only is denied.

The Veteran's petition to reopen claims for hepatitis C, bilateral knee disability, and back disability were granted. The claim for hypertension was denied.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis is granted as secondary to his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's left leg radiculopathy is granted with a rating of 40 percent.

The Veteran's right knee condition has been rated at 30 percent since January 15, 2020. The left knee tendinitis has also been rated at 30 percent since that date.

The Veteran's service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral pes planus with pronounced symptoms, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease are granted. The Veteran is also entitled to a maximum schedular rating of 50 percent for his bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, including degenerative joint disease, patellofemoral pain syndrome, lateral meniscus tear, and shin splints, are related to active service.