Knee decisions — 2000

The veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability is denied as his claim is not well grounded due to lack of competent medical evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Board determined that the submitted evidence was not new and material, thus denying the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for osteochondritis dissecans of the right knee.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing right knee condition did not worsen during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, left knee disability, shell fragment wound scars of the upper back with degenerative changes, and low back disability. The veteran's service-connected conditions are currently rated at 50%, 10%, 20%, and 20% respectively.

The Board has determined that the submitted evidence does not meet the criteria for reopening the previously denied claims of service connection for low back disorder, right ankle disorder, left knee disorder, residuals of a left shoulder injury and PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation, effective from March 1998. The veteran is also entitled to a separate 10 percent evaluation for arthritis of the right knee. No increased evaluations are granted for his left ankle disability.

The Board denied the claims for earlier effective dates and clear and unmistakable error, as well as the claim for a higher evaluation for right knee injury with arthritis. The appellant's claims were based on his service-connected right knee injuries.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability and a low back disability are denied as there is no competent evidence linking these disabilities to his military service or any service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to February 28, 1995, for a 30 percent rating for his service-connected right knee disability.

The VA has determined that the appellant's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an extension of a temporary total evaluation for his service-connected left knee disability beyond June 30, 1997. The evidence showed that in June 1997, the veteran was able to walk and pedal on a stationary bicycle with minimal limitation of motion.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's right and left knee disabilities, as well as a TDIU rating due to failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records review, as well as further consideration of his claim.

The Board found that the right knee disability was incurred in service, but denied the claim for left knee disability as not well grounded.

The Board denied all claims for increased ratings, finding that the veteran's conditions did not warrant higher evaluations under VA regulations.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a right leg amputation and chronic back strain, result in his inability to care for himself without regular assistance. The Board finds that he is eligible for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee disability, characterized by slight laxity of one ligament and mild laxity of one ligament, valgus deformity managed by use of adaptation of the left shoe, some incoordination, slight limitation of flexion, degenerative changes on radiologic examination, pain on use, minimal swelling, and some heat over the left knee, does not meet criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for PTSD, chronic fatigue, joint pain in shoulders, hips, and elbows, headaches, back disability, and right knee disability are well-grounded. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee conditions do not warrant an increased rating beyond the current 10 percent evaluations under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's right knee disability was evaluated at 20 percent from September 30, 1992 to July 16, 1993 and at 10 percent since October 1, 1993.