Knee decisions — 2002

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability, characterized as arthritis with limitation of motion, warrants a separate compensable (10 percent) evaluation. The current 20 percent rating for internal derangement remains unchanged.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 20 percent for the service-connected right knee disability, effective from December 14, 2000.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral defective hearing, a left wrist disability, a left shoulder disability with resection of the left distal clavicle, and meniscal degeneration of the left knee. The veteran's claims were not reopened as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board has found new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability, which was previously denied in August 1990.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to tend to basic self-care functions without regular assistance from another person, meeting the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right above the knee amputation and left foot drop, meet the criteria for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or special home adaptations. The veteran also meets the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing a specially adapted automobile or automobile adaptive equipment.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for reopening his service connection for a left knee disability, finding that the submitted evidence was not new and material.

The Board denied both the veteran's increased evaluation for his lumbar spine disorder and a total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability.

The veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids are currently rated as noncompensable, and his bilateral varicose veins have been rated at 10 percent since October 1996. The new rating criteria for varicose veins became effective on January 12, 1998.,Effective from January 12, 1998, the veteran's bilateral varicose veins are rated as 10 percent each leg.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been presented to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a right knee disability. The appeals are denied.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee injury residuals were not shown to be compensably disabling prior to May 17, 1999. Beginning on May 17, 1999, a 10 percent rating was granted for these residuals.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disorder is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected left knee osteochondritis dissecans. The rating for the left knee disorder remains at 10 percent, effective from December 11, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral knee degenerative joint disease, finding that the current evidence does not warrant a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability and dental disability for compensation purposes, finding no current disabilities or evidence of a nexus to service.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that new and material evidence was not received.

The Board determined that the veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities warranted evaluations of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease and 20 percent for status post-right knee injury and patellectomy.

The veteran's right knee disability is evaluated at 50 percent, but not higher. The hearing loss and hip issues are denied as they do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral knee disorder was not service-connected on a direct basis and denied his claim. The issue of secondary service connection for the knee disorder is also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the knees and stomach disorder, finding no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.