Knee decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for postoperative residuals of a right knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support such an increase.

The Board has granted increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the hands, hips, and left knee. The veteran now receives a 10 percent disability rating for each affected hand, and a compensable (10%) rating for each hip and left knee.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine, respiratory disorder to include asthma, bilateral foot disorder to include bone spurs of the heels, and bilateral ankle disability. Service connection was denied for right shoulder condition, left shoulder condition, right knee condition, and headaches.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected internal derangement of the right knee is being remanded due to uncertainty about whether his degenerative joint disease is related to his service-connected disability. The RO will need to clarify this and consider VA General Counsel opinions in evaluating the veteran's disability.

The Board has determined that the appellant currently has a right knee disorder, low back pain secondary to congenital abnormalities of the lumbar spine, and a right calf contusion. These conditions are all considered well grounded as they have been diagnosed in service or since service.,For the right knee disorder, the claim is granted as it was incurred during service.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on unemployability due to his service-connected left knee disability, as it does not meet the threshold requirements for such a rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for reopening service connection for left knee and right shoulder disorders due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

Your left knee disability has been rated at 10 percent since September 25, 1990. The most recent examination showed full range of motion with no significant limitations.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability, variously diagnosed. The claim for bilateral knee disability is denied.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a private hospital is denied as she has not met the three elements necessary for such reimbursement.

The Board denied the appellant's claims of service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and low back disorder. The appellant's preexisting conditions were found to not be aggravated by his military service.

The Board found that the veteran does not have current disabilities for which service connection can be granted, and thus denied his claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee, left knee, and residuals of a right radius fracture disabilities as there is no evidence of instability or additional limitation of motion that would warrant higher ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for the cause of death, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) pursuant to 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, and an effective date earlier than June 1, 1994, for an award of a total rating based on unemployability.

The veteran's total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is granted.

The veteran's service-connected left shoulder and knee disabilities are evaluated at 20 percent each, effective March 29, 1991. The Board has granted a higher evaluation of 30 percent for the left shoulder disability.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension on account of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the requirements due to his disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's claims of service connection for a neck disorder, bilateral knee disorder, stomach disorder, hiatal hernia, fatigue, and back disorder (arthritis of the lumbosacral spine) are not well-grounded due to lack of medical evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's bilateral knee injuries, finding that his claim was not well grounded and lacked sufficient evidence to support a link between his current condition and military service.