Knee decisions — 2001

The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of frostbite to hands, legs, knees, feet, toes and fingers. The veteran did not have a current disability resulting from in-service frostbite exposure. As for the knee injury issue, there is insufficient medical evidence to determine if any current disorder is related to active service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the right knee, currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's PTSD and ischemic heart disease are granted service connection, while the right foot and right knee disabilities remain unresolved.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not warrant an evaluation in excess of the currently assigned ratings.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's request for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee injury with traumatic arthritis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected numbness, right knee, effective July 2000.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability.

The Board denied increased evaluations for bursitis of the right and left knees, finding that the veteran's knee disabilities did not warrant a higher rating based on current medical evidence.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disorders, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim.

The Board found that the reduction of a 20 percent evaluation for postoperative right knee meniscectomy to 10 percent was not warranted, as there was no evidence showing improvement in symptoms.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back and bilateral knee disorders as secondary to his service-connected bilateral flat feet, finding no evidence of in-service aggravation or worsening of the flat feet.

The veteran's arthritis of the hands and right elbow is service-connected, as are his complaints of pain and numbness above the knees. The Board finds that ED (impotence) is secondary to his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disabilities are manifested by pain, swelling, and limited motion. The initial 10 percent evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the right knee is upheld, while a separate 10 percent rating was assigned for postoperative residuals under Code 5261. The left knee disability remains rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability was granted, with a temporary total evaluation assigned based on the need for convalescence following surgery. A 100 percent rating was then assigned for one year starting from August 1, 2000, and the original 30 percent rating is to be restored effective from August 1, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current back disorder is not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee injury with osteoarthritis, which was previously denied in March 1993.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic neck condition, head injury, nasal injury, right knee condition, loss of teeth due to trauma, and sinusitis. The RO also determined that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, and headaches due to the lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.,VA examinations conducted in May 1996 found no chronic acquired disorders related to the veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right knee disability should be rated under Diagnostic Codes 5299-5261 for severe osteochondral changes, medial compartment, chondromalacia, patellofemoral joint, and Baker's cyst, right knee. The veteran was also assigned a separate rating of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the right knee under Diagnostic Code 5003.

The Board denied service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, right hip disability, myositis, degenerative arthritis, and back disability. The left knee condition was granted a 10 percent rating.