Knee decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, right knee disorder (arthritis), and an increased rating for hemorrhoids. The decision is final as these claims were previously denied in May 1995.

The veteran's knee disabilities, specifically right and left knee tendonitis with chronic subluxating patella, are currently rated at 10 percent each. The VA examination in September 1998 found the veteran to have excessive patellar compression syndrome on the right knee and bilateral patellar tilt, which significantly limits her functional ability during flare-ups.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee impairment and low back pain are not well grounded. The claim for skin condition due to Agent Orange exposure is also denied as new and material evidence has not been submitted.

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his right knee and left hip disorders have been remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing right knee disorder did not undergo an increase in severity during service and thus, denied service connection for a right knee disorder.

The Board denied the appellant's claims, including his request for an increased evaluation for bilateral knee disability and his attempts to reopen previously denied claims for allergic rhinosinusitis, vascular headaches, and an acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that no new and material evidence had been submitted to support these claims.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated based on the criteria provided in the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities. The claims for increased ratings are denied as the current evidence does not meet the schedular criteria for a compensable rating.,A VA examination is needed to assess the severity of the veteran's pseudofolliculitis barbae, lumbosacral strain, and knee disabilities.

The Board has found that the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his hearing loss and knee disabilities are not well-grounded, as there is no evidence of increased severity since service. The RO was directed to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disorder warrants a 10 percent evaluation, as there is no evidence of instability or subluxation. The current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition.

The Board granted service connection for a chronic left knee disability and assigned a noncompensable evaluation for chronic right knee pain syndrome. The veteran's claim was well-grounded, and the VA provided adequate development of her claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right knee diagnosis of sprain is related to his service-connected pes planus and inservice trauma, granting service connection for this disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and secondary service connection, as well as his requests for increased ratings. The decision also noted that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen certain claims.

The Board has denied increased evaluations for internal derangement of the right knee and degenerative changes of the right knee as the evidence does not support ratings higher than the current 20% and 10% disability ratings, respectively.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected left knee medial meniscus tear is denied as there was no evidence of a flare-up or extended use resulting in functional loss.

The veteran's neurogenic bowel disability is rated at 60 percent, effective from May 1999. The RO also granted special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection of a right knee disability and granted an effective date of October 8, 1997 for the increased evaluation of left knee disability. The veteran's right knee disability is considered secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has found that there is competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current left knee and leg disorder, as well as his restrictive lung disease, to service. The claims are therefore granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and depression, are not well-grounded. The evidence does not support a diagnosis of PTSD or depression related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral knee condition is plausible and capable of substantiation, thus finding it well-grounded. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and schedule the veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that a new examination is needed to properly rate the severity of the veteran's right knee disability, which encompasses post-operative residuals from a gunshot wound. The most recent VA examination did not address all relevant factors and may have missed important clinical findings.