Knee decisions — 2001

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the service-connected right carpal/cubital tunnel syndrome and a 10 percent rating for the service-connected tendinitis of the left knee.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA orthopedic examination to determine the nature and severity of any currently diagnosed right knee disability.

The VA determined that the veteran's right and left knee disabilities do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as they are manifested by pain, weakness, and instability with full range of motion.

The Board denied service connection for a right elbow disability and granted original ratings of 10% for left knee disabilities with limitation of motion and instability, but did not grant an increased rating for the right knee.

The veteran's service-connected left knee and lumbar spine disabilities have been increased to their maximum available ratings, with the left knee receiving a separate compensable evaluation for arthritis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for PTSD is more accurately characterized as a claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include dysthymic disorder and PTSD. The claims of service connection for bilateral shin splints with bone deterioration, lower back condition, and bilateral arthritis of the knees were denied.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted with an effective date of May 17, 1996. The appeal also included a request for service connection for post-traumatic arthritis of the spine, which was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative joint disease of the right hip and knee is related to his in-service injury during basic training, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of left knee injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back and bilateral knee disorders are related to injuries sustained during service, including a jeep accident in Germany. The claim is granted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for low back disorder, bilateral ulnar nerve transposition, and right knee disability due to new evidence. The conditions are considered service-connected as direct results of injuries sustained during active duty training.

The Board dismissed the veteran's claim as it involves a medical determination that is beyond its jurisdiction.

The Board has determined that the appellant's physical conditions, including left leg brace, special shoes, wheelchair, quad-cane, and other disabilities, necessitate regular aid and attendance of another person. As a result, the claim for special monthly allowance based on need for aid and attendance is granted.

The veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease, right knee, with total knee replacement is currently rated at 30 percent. The evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his claim for service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that the submitted evidence was not new and material.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding service connection and a right knee disability evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected right knee and right shoulder disabilities, finding that they did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating schedule.

The Board has granted service connection for urinary stress incontinence and awarded a higher rating for the right ovarian cyst. The lumbosacral spine condition is rated at 20 percent, while the right knee disability remains noncompensable.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as the evidence did not establish a nexus between his claimed conditions and active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's TDIU claim is granted effective November 15, 2000. The left knee disorder and acquired psychiatric disorder claims are both reopened due to new evidence submitted since their final decisions in February 1990 and April 1982 respectively. However, service connection for these conditions remains denied as the evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.