Knee decisions — 2003

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and migraine headaches have been denied. The RO found that the current evaluations adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative joint disease of the right knee is service-connected, as it more likely than not started during his military service.

The Board has ordered further development due to the need for additional evidence and clarification. The case is now remanded for additional development at the RO level.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left knee disability existed prior to service and there is no evidence that it permanently worsened as a result of service.

The veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities are rated at 30 percent each, resulting in a combined rating of 80 percent. The appeals for higher ratings have been denied.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The claim for a left knee condition is addressed in the remand order.

The Board has granted service connection for medial capsular strain of the right knee, finding that it is proximately due to or the result of the veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the feet.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including a VA Social and Industrial Survey interview and comprehensive examination of the veteran's service-connected disabilities' impact on his employability.

The Board of Veterans Appeals (Board) denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability in December 1998. The case was remanded multiple times, and additional evidence was added to the claims file. After further development, the Board determined that more information is needed before making a decision.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability is being remanded due to procedural issues related to the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, an acquired psychiatric disability other than PTSD, blackout spells, dizziness, headaches, and blurred vision. The claim for a right knee disability was also denied as new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim.

The veteran's low back and right knee disabilities were not found to be service-connected. His bilateral metatarsalgia with callosities and pes planus was rated at the highest schedular disability rating available, and special monthly compensation based on loss of use of both feet was denied.

The Board affirmed the RO's decision to grant a 10 percent rating for residuals of a right knee injury with traumatic arthritis, effective from May 2003. The claim for increased ratings on other issues was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to service connection for a right knee disorder, but her headaches are found to have been aggravated by military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and sexual dysfunction were denied. His claim for increased evaluation of residuals of compression fracture of L1 was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right ankle, left knee, and right hip disabilities do not warrant a compensable disability rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to conflicting evidence regarding his psoriatic arthritis and the need for further evaluation of his low back and left knee disabilities. The RO must obtain recent VA medical records, conduct a VA examination, and then review the claims file again.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of her left knee disability prior to February 7, 2000 was denied. The Board found that the current evaluations were appropriate given the severity of her symptoms and the nature of her disability.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a left knee disability, diagnosed as osteochondritis dissecans with post-traumatic arthritis. The claim is now reopened.