Knee decisions — 2002

The veteran's increased ratings for right knee, left ankle, and left foot disabilities were denied. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The VA denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's right knee disability, which includes residuals from a meniscectomy and degenerative joint disease. The evidence showed moderate functional impairment without severe impairment.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's post-operative residuals of a total right knee arthroplasty, finding that the current 30 percent rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Board finds that there is no evidence supporting a secondary service connection for the veteran's bilateral knee, bilateral hip, and right ankle arthritis to his service-connected left ankle arthritis. The preponderance of the evidence does not support this claim.

The veteran does not have any current diagnosed disabilities of the wrists, knees, or lumbar spine. The Board finds that service connection for these conditions cannot be granted as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral knee replacements have resulted in a total disability rating, allowing him to receive compensation for unemployability due to his disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disability was not incurred or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for low back disability and granted it. The veteran's current low back disability, including lumbar disc disease and arthritis of the lumbar spine, is considered to be incurred in service. Service connection was also granted for degenerative joint disease of both knees.

The VA determined that there is no evidence linking the veteran's current knee, back, and gallbladder issues to her service. The Board found that her claims were not well grounded.

The Board found no objective evidence of a right leg injury in service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection due to lack of an in-service injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current left knee disability and therefore, service connection for this condition cannot be granted.

The Board has granted a separate rating of 10 percent for the veteran's right knee instability, in addition to his current 10 percent rating for traumatic arthritis. The veteran is now rated at 20 percent overall for his right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the effective date for the grant of service connection for chondromalacia of the right knee with osteoarthritis is August 4, 1993.

The veteran's appeal for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability was denied as his claim is not supported by evidence showing he has been disabled since November 27, 1987. The effective date of the TDIU award remains December 2, 1999.

The Board denied the appellant's claim to reopen his right knee disorder service connection and also denied his eligibility for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding no medical evidence to support a link between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a gunshot wound to Muscle Group XI (right knee) warrant a 30 percent disability rating, which is the maximum available under Diagnostic Code 5311. The veteran's foot drop secondary to his right knee injury also warrants a separate compensable disability rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected tinnitus, fungal infection of the hands and feet, and patellar femoral pain syndrome and recurrent dislocation of the left knee warrant a 10 percent evaluation each. The maximum schedular evaluation for these conditions is 10 percent.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an increased evaluation of his right knee disability and service connection for PTSD, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board found that the veteran failed to report for a VA examination and did not provide adequate medical evidence of current disabilities. As such, service connection was denied.