Knee decisions — 2000

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability, which is currently rated at 30 percent for instability, warrants a separate 10 percent evaluation for arthritis. The combined evaluations adequately compensate the veteran for his service-connected condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and bilateral ankle disorder, both secondary to his service-connected residuals of a right knee injury. The claim for an increased evaluation for the residuals of the right knee injury is also denied.

The veteran's appeal is denied as the evidence does not support an increased rating for his left knee disability.

The Board found that the RO's decision to sever service connection for a right knee disorder was improper, and denied the veteran's request for an increased rating for his left knee disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of coccyx fracture, right hip disability, left hip disability, and a left leg (other than left knee) disability as secondary to his service-connected right tibia fracture residuals.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees is being remanded to allow for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right knee condition is related to his service-connected disabilities involving his right lower extremity, and thus grants service connection for this disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of service connection for a sore right knee and lower back disorder are not well grounded, as there is no medical evidence establishing an etiological link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has restored the veteran's right knee disability rating to 30 percent effective December 1, 1996. The left knee disability remains at a 20 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral foot and knee disabilities were aggravated by active duty, warranting service connection.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right knee injury with arthritic changes, as the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

The Board affirmed the 20 percent evaluation for bilateral knee chondromalacia effective April 1, 1995.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's low back and right knee disabilities, as well as a claim for a total compensation rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disorder and bilateral hearing loss are not well grounded. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active duty, nor is there competent evidence linking them to service.

The veteran's original claim for service connection was received on May 16, 1996. The RO granted the effective date of July 18, 1996, for his service-connected disabilities and later granted an earlier effective date of May 16, 1996.

The veteran's increased disability rating claim for patellofemoral instability of the left knee was denied. Service connection claims for right and left ankle disabilities, as well as cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, were also denied. The claim to reopen a right shoulder disability was not granted.

The Board granted an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for traumatic arthritis of the right knee, effective from February 12, 1998 to September 28, 1998. Effective on and after September 29, 1998, a 20 percent evaluation was assigned.

The Board has reopened the appellant's claim for service connection due to new and material evidence, finding that his preexisting right knee disability was aggravated by military service. The Board granted service connection based on this aggravation.

The veteran's service-connected residuals of a fracture of the left patella and traumatic arthritis of the left knee are currently rated at 20 percent. The VA has granted an increased evaluation for these conditions.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has determined that the veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation for his service-connected left knee disability is denied. The veteran was granted service connection and a 10 percent rating in May 1998, but now seeks higher compensation.