Knee decisions — 2023

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for TDIU due to insufficient consideration of evidence and potential changes in disability ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability (patellofemoral syndrome with chronic strain) is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has found the VA examination reports inadequate for adjudication purposes and, consequently, there has not been substantial compliance with the prior remand directives such that remand is again required.

The Board has remanded the claims for a right knee disability and TDIU due to failure of the Veteran to appear for scheduled VA examinations. The claims will be remanded again to provide an opportunity for a new examination and obtain a nexus opinion.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment since April 11, 2012. The Board has granted a TDIU effective from that date.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including stomach ulcers, prostate cancer residuals, anxiety and panic attacks, arthritis of the lower back, vision problems, umbilical hernia, high blood pressure, bilateral hand carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis of the knees. The evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and active service.

The Board has remanded the claims for anemia and bilateral knee DJD secondary to service-connected PTSD due to incomplete examinations and lack of submission of the requested article.

The Veteran's left knee limited flexion is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects her disability picture based on the provided evidence.

The Veteran's left knee disability, which includes periostitis and degenerative arthritis, is currently rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating as there is no significant limitation of motion or instability to warrant an increased evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of meniscal repairs and arthritis of the right knee condition and residuals of meniscal repairs and arthritis of the left knee condition, finding that reasonable doubt must be resolved in favor of the Veteran.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his left knee, right ankle, and neck conditions due to incomplete records and inadequate VA examinations. The issues are inextricably intertwined with the TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that the VA examination reports are inadequate for adjudication purposes and remanded the case to obtain a new examination. The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, and the Board finds entitlement to a TDIU is not warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current knee conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding his claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, right knee disability, left hand disability, insomnia, and GERD. The issues include determining whether these conditions are related to military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 50 percent for obstructive sleep apnea. The case is remanded for further evaluation of her left knee disability and respiratory disorder, including sinusitis and allergic rhinitis.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability but remanded the issue of secondary service connection for his back disability due to inadequate examination.

The Veteran's service-connected foot and knee disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, leading to the grant of TDIU effective May 11, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee conditions have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent effective June 22, 2011.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for clarification of certain examination findings and additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a bilateral knee condition, bilateral elbow condition, joint pain (rheumatoid arthritis), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to inadequate medical opinions in previous decisions.