Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for right knee degenerative joint disease was denied. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion, as the flexion and extension were limited to 80 degrees during flare-ups. Service connection for tinnitus was granted due to new and material evidence being received.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed for the claims of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and GERD, as well as for the rating claims related to arthritis of the left knee. The Veteran's VA treatment records will be obtained, and he will be afforded new examinations to address these issues.

The Board has granted a separate 20 percent rating for right knee meniscus tear with locking, pain, and effusion. The Veteran's right knee limitation of flexion is rated at the maximum allowable under current regulations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development and consideration of his claims, including service connection for right knee disability (secondary to left knee), left ankle disability (secondary to left knee), increased ratings for synovitis of the left knee, status-post total arthroplasty of the left knee, posttraumatic changes of the left hip, residuals of a left tibia fracture, and TDIU prior to and since November 13, 2012.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability and a left knee disability, finding that the Veteran's conditions existed prior to enlistment or were not related to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and consideration. The Veteran's claims of service connection for left knee, right shoulder, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome disabilities are being reconsidered.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, bilateral hearing loss, right knee disorder, and respiratory disorder have been granted. The decision also remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disorder, respiratory disorder, and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the loss of use of both lower extremities, affecting balance and propulsion. The Board finds that he is eligible for specially adapted housing but not for special home adaptation grants due to his existing eligibility for SAH.

The Board has remanded the claims for right ankle, left knee, and acquired psychiatric disabilities due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete medical evidence and the need for a VA examination. The focus of the appeal is whether his additional disability (below-the-knee amputation of the right leg) was caused by VA treatment, considering fault or negligence.

The Board has remanded the claims for infertility, kidney stones, arthritis, and gastrointestinal disability due to exposure at Camp Lejeune. The Veteran needs further testing for infertility and records from his treatment of a kidney stone in 2014. An expert opinion is needed regarding the relationship between these conditions and exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Board has decided to remand two issues related to the Veteran's left wrist and left knee conditions due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Board has ordered a new VA examination for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities due to incomplete information in the previous examinations. The issues of entitlement to increased ratings for both knees are remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for increased ratings due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has found that the duty to assist prior to the appealed rating decision necessitates remand due to a pre-decisional failure of the duty to assist. The Veteran's claims for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right knee condition, and left knee condition are all remanded for further development.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for right knee strain and left knee DJD, as there was no valid claim filed prior to September 12, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran requires regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, leading to a grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for shin splints and knee disability is remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in the February 2019 VA examination.

The Board has dismissed the Veteran's claims for service connection of a right knee disability and a lumbar spine disability due to the death of the appellant during the appeal process.