Knee decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to August 21, 1997 or in excess of 30 percent from that date.

The VA denied increased evaluations for the veteran's right knee condition, shrapnel wound scars of the legs, and intestinal obstruction residuals from an appendectomy. The evidence did not support higher ratings based on current disability levels.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran does not have a chronic acquired bilateral knee disorder that was incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied her claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the veteran's right knee meniscal tear is not shown to have been caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have a right eye disability incurred or aggravated by military service, and his claim for secondary service connection for a right knee disability related to his left knee disorder is also denied.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for left ankle and left knee disorders, finding that there is no evidence to support a relationship between these conditions and his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board found that the veteran's current left knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. Service connection for a dental disorder, claimed as missing teeth, is warranted for VA compensation or outpatient treatment purposes.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his left knee disability, finding that the postoperative residuals did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The VA has determined that the veteran's right knee disorder, including osteoarthritis, warrants a 20 percent evaluation, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues regarding the veteran's bilateral knee disability. The case will be returned for additional evidence collection and examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right knee injury and lumbosacral strain secondary to a right knee injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected post right knee injury with degenerative joint disease warrants a 30 percent rating, effective from the date of the July 2002 rating decision.

The Board determined that the appellant's VA Form 9 was timely and adequate, allowing him to perfect his appeal for service connection claims. The right knee chondromalacia claim is granted with a noncompensable rating.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending evidence and the court's decision invalidating certain regulations. The case will be returned to the RO for additional development of medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for traumatic arthritis of his left knee and right ankle, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, prostate disorder (claimed as prostatitis), and gastrointestinal disorder (claimed as gastroesophageal reflux disease) are granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations.

The Board found new and material evidence to reopen claims for service connection for lung disability, right shoulder disability, bilateral knee disability, and residuals of fractures of the fourth and fifth digits of the right hand. The claim for diabetes mellitus was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 60 percent for asbestosis and service connection for residuals of a right knee injury.