Knee decisions — 2001

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and the need for further development, including obtaining a private x-ray study of the right knee. The RO must ensure all notification and development actions required by the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 are completed.

The VA Regional Office denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability as not well grounded. The case is now remanded to gather additional evidence and review on the merits.

The RO denied the appellant's claims for increased PTSD evaluation and service connection for a right eye disorder, varicose veins, degenerative joint disease of the knees, low back disorder, and vascular and heart disorders. The appeal is remanded to allow further development.,The RO denied the appellant's claim for service connection for his right eye disorder as secondary to his left eye disability (traumatic cataract with glaucoma and aphakia). The appeal is remanded to allow further development.,The RO denied the appellant's claim for service connection for varicose veins. The appeal is remanded to allow further development.,The RO denied the appellant's claim to reopen his previously denied claim of service connection for degenerative joint disease of the knees. The appeal is remanded to allow further development.,The RO denied the appellant's claims for service connection for low back disorder and vascular and heart disorders as secondary to his left eye disability and/or shell fragment wounds. The appeal is remanded to allow further development.,The RO denied the appellant's claim for service connection for vascular and heart disorders as secondary to his left eye disability and/or shell fragment wounds. The appeal is remanded to allow further development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee and right hip conditions are proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's appeal is about an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disorder. The RO has not yet considered whether additional notification or development action is required under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have been evaluated based on their current manifestations. The Board has determined that the currently assigned ratings are appropriate for all issues addressed.

The VA has denied increased ratings for the appellant's service-connected degenerative joint disease of L4-L5, L5-S1 with disc narrowing; fracture of the lateral malleolus of the left fibula; and moderate chronic neck pain. The current evaluations are considered appropriate.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding new and material evidence. The case is now remanded to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board found no evidence of permanent disability resulting from the October 1996 VA injection, and denied the veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD, right knee disorder, and residuals of a head injury are all service-connected due to credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for mechanical low back pain with bilateral knee pain and lower extremity numbness due to new evidence submitted since the July 1996 denial. The claim is now pending on its merits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a shell fragment wound to his right lower extremity is granted, and he also receives special monthly compensation based on the loss of use of both lower extremities.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disability warranted a 30 percent evaluation on and after December 1, 1997. The RO had previously assigned a 20 percent rating for the period prior to October 2, 1996.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right ankle disorder that was incurred or aggravated by service. The RO must attempt to locate and obtain additional service personnel records which may substantiate the veteran's claimed in-service disciplinary action related to substance abuse, as well as arrange for VA examinations of the veteran's mental status and his knees.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee replacement as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The decision is based on evidence showing that the right knee condition was chronically worsened by the left knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability with respect to bilateral hearing loss, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, or left foot disorder for VA benefits purposes. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right knee disorder, and right elbow disorder due to a lack of evidence demonstrating current disabilities.