Knee decisions — 2003

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disability, finding that it is not related to his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosed seizure disorder, and his facial fractures with sinusitis and septoplasty residuals do not warrant an increased evaluation. The right knee fracture with degenerative changes is currently rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's COPD was found to be related to service, and his bilateral leg and knee disorder is considered a residual of an in-service injury. The claims are granted.

The Board has determined that a 20 percent evaluation is warranted for the veteran's left knee tendonitis with synovial cyst from July 14, 1992 to August 17, 1992. For all other periods, including March 16, 1992 to July 13, 1992 and August 18, 1992 to the present, a noncompensable evaluation is assigned.

The Board has granted a separate 10% evaluation for degenerative arthritis in the left knee, but denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected left knee meniscal tear.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and restoration of a rating have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support higher evaluations or restoration.

The veteran's spouse is not entitled to apportionment of his disability benefits due to the total monthly income from the veteran being insufficient for a reasonable amount to be paid.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a postoperative right knee meniscus tear, finding that his pre-existing condition did not worsen during service and was instead caused by an intercurrent work injury.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for generalized arthritis and bursitis of the knees and legs, finding that new evidence did not establish a direct link to service.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected right knee disability, finding that his condition primarily manifested as pain and limited motion.

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

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased disability rating for his right knee disorder and service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right knee injury due to lack of competent medical evidence linking any current right knee disorder to an in-service injury.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disability, including septic arthritis, existed prior to service and did not undergo any increase in pathology during service. The current arthritis of the right knee had its onset many years after service and is unrelated to service.

The veteran's right knee disorder was rated at 10 percent from July 1, 1998 to August 31, 2000 and increased to 20 percent effective November 1, 2000. The left rotator cuff tendinitis was initially granted a noncompensable evaluation from December 5, 1992 to February 20, 1994.

The Board determined that the veteran does not have a current disability of either knee, chronic fatigue, or headaches due to service. The claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed left hip, left knee, and back disorders are not service-connected. However, his combined rating for service-connected disabilities is sufficient to render him individually unemployable.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right knee disorder was incurred in service and is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss, right knee disorder, and deviated nasal septum and rhinitis. The veteran's chronic headaches are not related to active service.

The RO has granted service connection for right and left knee disabilities, but the veteran appeals each initial 10% rating as inadequate. The RO found that his right and left knee disabilities are manifested by minimal limitation of motion, pain with activity, some swelling and crepitus; no instability or ligamentous laxity.