Knee decisions — 2002

The veteran's left knee internal derangement is currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that this rating does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 5257. The veteran is also entitled to a separate 10 percent evaluation based on limitation of motion.

The veteran's low back strain with disc herniation and arthritis is currently rated at 20 percent, while his right knee arthritis remains at 10 percent. The right knee instability issue was also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and bilateral knee disabilities due to lack of current medical evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, which was previously denied due to lack of aggravation during service. The case will now proceed on the merits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disabilities, including degenerative arthritis and instability, warrant a 10 percent evaluation each. The conditions do not meet criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it did not show flexion limited to 15 degrees or extension limited to 20 degrees. The current 20 percent rating was upheld.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the previously denied claims for service connection of a right knee disability and low back disability, resulting in their continued denial.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current left knee disability and did not incur such a disability during service. The evidence showed minimal degenerative changes in the left knee, but these were not shown to be related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's left knee arthritis as secondary to his service-connected right knee disorder, effective from March 10, 1998. The effective date of the grant of service connection for his right knee disorder was also established based on VA medical evidence within one year prior to the November 30, 1998 claim.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee disorder during service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury and residuals of a left knee injury based on new evidence submitted since the original denial in February 1949.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities (low back and bilateral knee conditions) preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a total rating based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for post-operative residuals of an ACL repair of the right knee and denied a compensable rating for residuals of a fractured nasal bone.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 6, 2001 for the total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability, which was previously denied in February 1984. The veteran's claims folder includes an MRI study revealing Grade III chondromalacia patella with patella alta, lateral tilt, and early chondromalacia of the trochlear notch.

The Board finds that the veteran's left knee disability began during his active service and grants service connection for it.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders, finding new and material evidence. The veteran's left knee disorder is found to be related to his military service, while the issue of entitlement to service connection for his right knee disorder remains pending due to additional development needed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral knee condition, degenerative joint disease, was incurred in or aggravated by her military service. As a result, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal prior to a decision being made.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's right knee disability, currently rated at 30 percent.