Knee decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date of February 24, 1999, for a grant of total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability, post-operative residuals of a total left knee replacement with history of left knee meniscectomy, does not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for an increased rating beyond the current 30 percent assigned.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the knees. The claim for increased evaluations for chondromalacia patellae of both knees was granted, but with separate ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for any of her claimed hip or knee conditions, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. Therefore, she cannot establish service connection for any of her claims.

The VA has granted increased disability evaluations for the veteran's left knee disabilities, with a rating of 10 percent each.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and bilateral elbow disorder. The decision also noted that his claims for low/high VLDR (serum), high carbon dioxide (serum), high VSC hematology, and low lymph blood hematology were previously addressed.

The veteran's left knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative changes of the left knee, was found to have originated during his active service. The Board granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain clarification on the severity of the veteran's right knee disability, specifically whether it exhibits weakened movement, excess fatigability, or incoordination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of his right knee with a loose body and left knee. The RO assigned a 10 percent evaluation to each knee, effective October 1993.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee disability, left ankle disability, and left hip disability secondary to the veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosed right knee disability associated with his active military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no current left leg or right knee disabilities related to service. The low back disability was noted, but the evidence did not establish a nexus between the in-service injury and the current condition.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are being reviewed to determine if they render him in need of aid and attendance or housebound, given his recent medical deterioration.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities and a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has ordered additional development to obtain service records and medical opinions regarding the veteran's claimed conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not show that his service-connected disabilities warranted higher evaluations.

The Board has granted an increased disability rating for the residuals of a fracture of the left ankle and has determined that arthritis of multiple joints, including the knees and back, is due to service. The veteran's claims are granted.

The Board denied a claim for an increased rating for arthritis of the left knee, finding that the veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for chondromalacia of the left knee with instability, effective from June 5, 2002. The veteran's coronary artery disease was also rated at zero percent disabling.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for gout of the left ankle, gout of the left knee, and gout of both great toes.