Knee decisions — 2024

The Veteran seeks a clothing allowance for his service-connected right knee disability. The AOJ denied the claim without obtaining relevant private treatment records, including those related to the hinged knee brace used in 2020. The Board finds that remand is necessary to obtain these records.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to October 25, 2020 is denied because he was already in receipt of a combined total schedular rating. After October 25, 2020, the Board finds that his remaining disabilities do not result in a combined 60 percent rating that would warrant special monthly compensation at the housebound rate.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for clothing allowances due to a lack of clear and accurate descriptions of the braces used, as well as missing relevant documentation from VHA. The AOJ is required to obtain these records and reconstruct the record before making a decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected left knee strain with chondromalacia is being remanded due to the inadequacy of the VA examination reports. The Board requires a new examination to assess the severity and functional impact of the Veteran's condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, left knee strain, lumbar spine intervertebral disk degeneration with arthritis, and sciatic radiculopathy have precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment since April 20, 2021. As a result, the Board has granted an effective date of April 20, 2021 for TDIU and DEA benefits.

The Board has determined that the grant of service connection for patellofemoral syndrome, left knee was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous. Therefore, service connection is restored.

The Veteran's initial rating for a scar left knee linear, residual of excision of ossicle was granted at 10 percent effective July 1, 2020. The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hemorrhoids from July 1, 2020 is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has dismissed the appeal for a higher rating of service-connected left knee disability due to an error in docketing.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for additional medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee, shoulder, and hip disabilities contributed to his weight gain/obesity, which then led to his obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for a back disability, neck disability, bilateral eye disability, and right knee disability due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran is granted higher levels of Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) at rates based on loss of use of both hands and need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board is remanding all service connection claims due to inadequate examinations and opinions, including those for heart condition, hypertension, bilateral foot condition, ankle conditions, elbow conditions, hip conditions, knee conditions, wrist condition, shoulder conditions, and TDIU.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee strain with osteoarthritis and right knee strain, finding that an evaluation in excess of 10 percent is not warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee condition, secondary to multiple service-connected disabilities including right foot heel spur, right foot post bunionectomy, right foot hammertoe, left foot heel spur, left great toe post bunionectomy with hallux valgus and degenerative joint disease, left foot hammertoe, right hip bursitis, and left hip trochanteric bursitis is being remanded due to a duty to assist error.

The Veteran's bilateral knee degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent each, and he is granted separate 10 percent ratings for patellar instability in both knees. The appeal is denied as the criteria for higher ratings are not met.

The Board has remanded the case due to errors in verifying all periods of active service and for a new VA examination to assess the Veteran's left knee condition.

The Board has decided that the Veteran's surgical scar of the left knee does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, and has remanded the issue of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee disability.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities were each rated 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5260 (limitation of leg flexion) and 5261 (limitation of leg extension). The Board found that the Veteran's range of motion did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion, as his flexion was limited to 90 degrees in the right knee and 80 degrees in the left knee with painful motion. Extension was limited to 10 degrees in each knee.

The Veteran's claims for service connection on multiple conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and opinions.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including meniscal tear and instability, is currently rated at 20 percent. The appeal for a higher rating was granted for limited extension but denied for the other conditions.