Knee decisions — 2000

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of 10 percent for his service-connected left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his postoperative left knee disorder, finding that the disability manifested by slight limitation of flexion and complaints of low grade pain did not warrant a higher rating than the current 10 percent.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection and basic eligibility for nonservice-connected pension benefits. The claim for service connection was denied because no new and material evidence had been submitted, and the claim for pension benefits was denied due to lack of active service for ninety days or more during a period of war.

The Board found that the left hip disorder is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury, and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of medical evidence linking her conditions to her military service.

The Board has restored the veteran's 10 percent evaluation for chondromalacia, right knee, effective from the date of reduction.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings of his low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities were denied as the current evaluations adequately reflect the severity of his conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability, which includes chronic fusion deformity of the proximal fibula to the proximal tibia, is a direct result of an injury sustained in 1954 during service. The claim for service connection is therefore granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that there was no medical evidence linking his current condition to an incident of service.

The veteran's claim for a compensable evaluation for his left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling an examination. The issue of service connection for a left ankle disability remains unresolved.

The Board has determined that the claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is not well-grounded, while the claim for new and material evidence to reopen the issue of service connection for a bilateral knee disorder is well-grounded.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for service-connected traumatic arthritis of the right knee, maintaining a 30 percent rating.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and assistance, or based on permanent housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current knee disorders and service, nor any connection to herbicide exposure. The claim for PTSD was denied as well.

The veteran's service-connected right knee scar and left foot injury residuals are currently rated as noncompensably disabling.,Service connection for a stomach disorder, claimed as due to an undiagnosed illness, is not well grounded.

The veteran's claim for an extension of her delimiting date for Chapter 32 educational assistance was denied as there is no additional medical evidence showing that the disability prevented her from pursuing education during the relevant time period.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for patellofemoral pain syndrome of the left knee, a 20 percent evaluation for residuals of a back injury, and a 10 percent evaluation for residuals of a left shoulder injury.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for back, headaches, and right knee disabilities due to a lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is dismissed due to the death of the appellant, as veterans' claims do not survive their deaths.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected arthritis of multiple joints with bilateral total knee replacement contributed substantially to cause his death.