Knee decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right knee disability is denied as he failed to report for scheduled VA examinations and there is no evidence of medical complexity or controversy.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and a back disorder. The RO's June 1992 rating decision denying these claims remains final.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of back, ankle, hip, knee, and psychiatric disabilities. The rating for varicose veins remains at 20 percent.

The Board denied reopening the veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disability and denied increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the right knee and chondromalacia of the right knee.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the left knee, finding that it was not incurred or aggravated during service and that there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut the presumption of soundness at entry.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disability, finding that there was no current evidence of a chronic right knee disorder during his active duty and concluding that any right knee pain he experienced in service was not related to his prior military service.

The Board found that the veteran's arthritis of multiple joints was not caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability and denied his claims for increased ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected foot disorder did not cause or aggravate his claimed disorders of the knees, hips, and right thumb. The claim for increased evaluation of metatarsalgia of the feet is also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various orthopedic conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and ankle and knee disorders. The decision found that there was no evidence of a current disability in some cases or that the disabilities were not related to service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or by reason of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability and a rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee disability, finding that there is no evidence to support the veteran's claim of secondary service connection.

The Board denied an increased rating for recurrent subluxation of the left knee and traumatic arthritis of the left knee, both rated at 20 percent and 10 percent respectively.

The Board denied the veteran's increased evaluation claim for his left knee disability and determined that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen his nerve damage of the left leg claim.

The Board has granted increased ratings for PTSD, Right Hip Arthritis, and Right Knee Scar under the current rating criteria. The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, his Right Hip Arthritis at 10 percent, and his Right Knee Scar at a compensable level.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability, which includes persistent pain, limitation of motion, and a tear of the medial meniscus, warrants a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5261.

The Board has granted service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome of the right arm, left arm, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The disability ratings are not addressed in this decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability does not warrant a higher evaluation than 30 percent, as there is no evidence of limitation of extension to 30 degrees or ankylosis. The current rating of 30 percent reflects the veteran's symptoms and limitations.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for a lower back disorder, right knee disorder, cervical spine disorder, upper back disorder, headaches, or left knee disorder. The Board found no in-service incurrence of these conditions and thus denied service connection for all issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee osteochondritis dissecans does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for such an increased evaluation.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for disability of the left knee, finding that there is no more than slight disability or impairment of the left knee.