Knee decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for service connection for joint pain and PTSD were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of an undiagnosed illness due to Gulf War service, and thus denied both issues.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar strain, internal derangement of the left knee, and traumatic arthritis of the left knee are being remanded due to incomplete medical evaluations.

The Board has determined that the initial ratings of 10% for both right and left knee disabilities are not warranted based on current evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's right leg weakness and degenerative joint disease of the right knee were not incurred in or aggravated by service, including his service-connected left knee disorder. The claim was denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and action due to the need for additional representation.

The Board denied the claim of additional DIC based on the appellant's need for regular aid and attendance due to her disabilities not rendering her helpless as required by VA regulations.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and conduct further examination of the veteran's knees. The claims for increased evaluations for bilateral knee disabilities are being considered, as well as the claim for service connection for bilateral medial meniscus injuries.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a well-grounded claim for service connection for hearing loss, protein in urine, elevated cholesterol, right knee disability, or bilateral ankle disorder. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the termination of the veteran's TDIU rating as of August 1, 1997 was not proper and restored a TDIU rating for the period from August 1, 1997.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability and arthritis of multiple joints, to include the back, hips, and legs. The veteran failed to provide sufficient medical evidence linking his current conditions to his period of active service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability due to new evidence showing complaints of knee pain during active duty. The claim is granted, but the veteran's right middle finger with scar is rated at 10 percent and not higher.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right ankle disability is granted. The claim for compensation under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code, Section 1151 for a right knee disorder resulting from a July 1993 hospitalization at a VA Medical Center is found to be well-grounded and remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to a need for additional medical records and an orthopedic examination.

The case is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining medical examinations and addressing the SSA's decision on total disability.

The VA has determined that the veteran's right knee laxity does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.,The arthritis of the right knee, while causing some limitation in motion and pain, does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for cervical spine disorder due to his failure to perfect appeal.

The Board denied an increased rating for right knee instability and granted a 10% disability rating for arthritis of the right knee, effective July 24, 1995.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected internal derangement of the left knee, status post total knee replacement.

The Board has determined that the claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disorder is not well-grounded.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 30 percent for the veteran's left knee disability, effective from January 1998. The claim for service connection for a right knee disability secondary to his left knee disability is denied.