Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before a decision can be made on the merits of the claims for increased ratings for limited motion of the right knee and entitlement to TDIU prior to February 11, 2021. The VA examiner must provide an addendum medical opinion regarding the ameliorative effects of medication on the Veteran's range of motion in his right knee.

The Board has decided the claims for clothing allowances for calendar years 2014, 2015, and 2016. The claim for a clothing allowance for the calendar year 2017 is remanded due to the lack of a statement of the case.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and left wrist conditions, as secondary to his right knee disability due to insufficient medical evidence on whether the fall caused by his right knee condition resulted in injuries to his left knee and/or left wrist.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee condition is not related to his military service and denied this claim.,The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was also denied as there is no evidence of a current disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his right knee disability was denied, and he is currently rated at 50% from February 28, 2021.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating on his thoracic spine and left knee disabilities has been remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits, including special monthly pension based upon the need for aid and attendance (SMP-AA), due to incomplete development of his medical records and income information.

The Board has decided to remand the cases for additional development due to incomplete records and unclear events. The Veteran's representative cited articles and theories of entitlement, which need to be addressed in new opinions.

The Board dismissed the appeal as the appellant requested to withdraw all remaining issues, including service connection for bilateral hearing loss and higher evaluations for knee and shoulder conditions, due to a full grant of TDIU.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inadequate medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral shoulder and hand disabilities. The claims are not granted as there is no evidence supporting a nexus between service and these conditions.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection claims related to left knee and right knee issues, citing dissatisfaction with the process.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability as there is no current diagnosis of such condition and the Veteran did not provide evidence to establish a nexus between her military service and any diagnosed knee disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to obtain private and Tricare treatment records related to the Veteran's bilateral knees, glaucoma, and hypertension. The Veteran is also asked to provide authorization for VA to obtain these records.

The Veteran's right knee strain, status post-surgery with osteoarthritis is granted a separate 10 percent rating for painful limitation of flexion since August 1, 2013. A 30 percent rating is granted from August 1, 2013 to August 4, 2022 for painful limitation of extension. The Veteran's right knee strain with dislocated semilunar cartilage and slight instability are each granted separate ratings since August 1, 2013. A 20 percent rating is granted for the left ankle disability from December 23, 2013 to August 4, 2022. The Veteran's right foot disability remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right knee disability, as his last evaluation was in October 2020.

Service connection has been granted for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee lateral meniscus tear with osteoarthritis status post two arthroscopic procedures, and tinnitus.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral knee conditions have been reopened due to the submission of new evidence.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities due to his failure to report for necessary VA examinations without providing good cause.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is granted service connection, while his left knee and left ankle osteoarthritis are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating on individual employability prior to March 24, 2017, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claims for dental condition, sleep condition (claimed as sleep apnea), and left knee condition have been denied due to lack of current disability evidence.