Knee decisions — 2002

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disorder and a back disorder, as well as increased ratings for post-operative residuals of a shell fragment wound to the right ankle and a compensable rating for fractures to the fifth metatarsal right foot.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's service-connected disabilities of the right shoulder, left wrist, right ankle, and both knees. The RO also granted a noncompensable evaluation for his bilateral foot disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected left femoral fracture with scars and Muscle Group XV involvement, as well as his claim for service connection for left ear hearing loss. The veteran was currently rated at 30 percent for this condition.

The VA determined that the veteran's left knee tendinitis and degenerative joint disease do not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's knee disabilities did not meet or approximate criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 22, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for osteoarthritis of both knees are denied as there is no evidence showing that the disabilities meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board denied increased ratings for bilateral chondromalacia of the knees, finding that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 30 percent.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee disorder during service and insufficient post-service medical evidence to establish a link between the current condition and service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The veteran's initial claim for an evaluation of left testicle torsion was granted, but he is denied service connection for other claimed conditions. The Board found no medical evidence linking the in-service complaints and injuries to current disabilities.

The veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his service-connected knee disabilities were denied. The RO continued the existing 10 percent and 20 percent ratings, respectively, for both knees.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability, characterized by lateral instability and degenerative joint disease, warrants a 30 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5257.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a left knee disability as secondary to a service-connected right knee disorder, but denied the claim on de novo review. The claim for an increased rating for right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome was also denied.

The veteran's bilateral knee arthritis is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5003, and the Board has determined that a higher evaluation is warranted due to occasional incapacitating exacerbations.

The veteran's multiple health conditions, including bradycardia, coronary artery disease, hypertension, aortic valve replacement, joint disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and knee joint replacements, severe congestive heart failure, Alzheimer's with agitation features and dementia, render him in need of aid and attendance of another person and housebound. As such, the veteran is granted special monthly pension based upon the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or at the housebound rate.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability was incurred during active service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied increased ratings for left knee chondromalacia, with the first rating of 10 percent from January 21, 1992, through August 14, 1997, and a subsequent increase to 20 percent effective August 15, 1997.

The veteran's claimed disabilities are not service connected due to lack of evidence showing they were incurred or aggravated during his active duty in the Persian Gulf.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the issues related to depression service connection and right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current disabilities, including arthritis of the knees, hips, and lumbar spine, are causally related to his military service. As such, service connection is granted for these conditions.