Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's left knee disability, including post-patella dislocation and limitation of flexion, is rated at 30 percent from March 1, 2019 onward. The higher rating sought for the period June 8, 2012 to January 26, 2018 was not granted.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure (cardiac disorder), lumbar spine disorders, hip disorders, and knee disorders. The Board found that the current diagnoses were not related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, and the Board has found new and material evidence to support these claims. The appeals are granted in part.

The Veteran's left knee and back disabilities are granted service connection, while his acquired psychiatric disability is remanded for further examination.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left knee and ankle disabilities, including whether they are caused or aggravated by her service-connected disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the claims of neck, right shoulder, left thumb, and middle finger laceration disorders. The low back disorder claim was also dismissed.,The Veteran's hearing loss disability is not service-connected.

The Board has granted service connection for both the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, finding that her current diagnoses of bilateral knee arthritis are linked to her active service.

The Veteran's spouse is not eligible for PCAFC benefits due to a lack of caregiver training and the failure to complete assessments within 90 days. The Board has remanded the case to ensure proper completion of these requirements.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the rating for left knee status post ACL reconstruction from May 1, 2022.

The Board has determined that the VA Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) decision denying eligibility for PCAFC benefits was inadequate, and thus remanded for further review.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim to revise a June 9, 2017 rating decision that assigned an effective date of June 9, 2014 for service connection of right knee arthritis due to CUE. The effective date was determined to be March 27, 2017.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for the service connection claims related to right parotidectomy, COPD, myocardial infarction, HIV, left foot disability, left knee disability, and right leg disability.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to July 1, 2017 due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's sleep apnea claim is denied, and the issues of service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, low back disability, right knee disability, and left knee disability are remanded due to procedural errors.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for right and left knee conditions, acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD), and low back condition due to potential errors in duty to assist. The Veteran is required to undergo a VA examination to determine the likely etiology of his diagnosed conditions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee condition and a right foot and toe condition, finding that there is no evidence to support the contention that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee meniscal tear and osteoarthritis of other joints, including neck, shoulders, left hip, hands, and feet, are related to his service-connected conditions. The claims for these conditions have been remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a headache disability including chronic migraines is granted. The Board also remanded the issue of service connection for a left knee disability due to duty-to-assist errors.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate examination reports and further development is required.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability is granted, and he is assigned a 60 percent rating as of February 29, 2016. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is denied.