Knee decisions — 2022

The Veteran's initial compensable rating for vitiligo and service connection for a left knee disorder are dismissed. Service connection for depression and anxiety is granted, with an initial 20 percent rating for lumbar disc disease from May 2, 2016 to January 23, 2020.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral hearing loss disability does not meet VA criteria for a service connection.,Service connection is granted for migraine headaches, with evidence at least in equipoise regarding their etiology.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims regarding his service-connected lumbar spine and left knee disabilities, as the current evaluations are inadequate due to missing range of motion assessments.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to June 22, 2019 is remanded due to the need for a retrospective medical opinion on her employability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding a left knee disorder and its relationship to service or a pre-existing condition. The Veteran needs an examination to determine if they have a current left knee disorder related to their military service.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance is being remanded due to the combined effects of his service-connected PTSD, right knee degenerative arthritis, and non-service-connected left foot drop. Further examination is needed to distinguish between the effects of these conditions.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU from March 12, 2018. The case is remanded for consideration of whether a TDIU can be awarded on an extraschedular basis prior to that date.

The Board has determined that the reduction from 30 percent to 10 percent for the Veteran's right knee disorder was improper and restored a 30 percent rating, effective April 12, 2018. The left knee disorder and right knee instability claims are remanded due to new evidence of worsening symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient medical opinions and incomplete service treatment records. The issues are related as they could significantly impact each other.

The Veteran's appeal for a TDIU was dismissed. The Board found that the left knee disability warranted a 30 percent rating prior to March 8, 2022.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and GERD due to inadequate nexus opinions. Additional evidence, including hyperlinked articles submitted by the Veteran's representative, must be considered. An addendum opinion or examination is needed from a different examiner who can address the Veteran's lay statements regarding his symptoms in service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee and right wrist disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right knee, left knee, right foot, and neck disabilities.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary for the claims of service connection for right knee and hip disabilities, as well as a higher rating for major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder. The Veteran's claims are being remanded to allow for further examination and consideration.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of right and left hip disabilities, as well as right and left knee disabilities, all of which are determined to be unrelated to his active military service.

The Veteran's tinnitus is granted service connection. The remaining issues are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disorder, finding that his current condition is related to his active duty service. The decision resolves all reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to address service connection claims for various disabilities, including right hip, right knee, lumbar spine, and skin conditions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to insufficient medical opinions and need for additional evidence. The Veteran is required to provide a complete transcript of her hearing, obtain SSA records, and undergo VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a retrospective medical opinion regarding the Veteran's right knee arthritis and right leg muscle atrophy. The issues of rating excess disability for these conditions are on appeal.