Knee decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his right knee disorder was denied by the RO. The issue is currently pending before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The veteran's claims for initial evaluations of his service-connected disabilities were denied. The residuals of a fractured mandible do not warrant a compensable evaluation, the low back disorder is rated at 10 percent based on moderate intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks, and both knee and ankle conditions are each rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for post-traumatic internal derangement and arthritis of the left knee, based on current symptoms and medical findings.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral knee disorders are not related to his service-connected flat feet and have denied the claims for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and bilateral knee disorders were not caused or aggravated by his service-connected ankle disabilities.

The veteran's right knee chondromalacia is rated at 10 percent, and his sinusitis remains at a 10 percent rating. The claims for increased ratings are granted.

The veteran claims service connection for a left knee disability, but the case is being remanded due to incomplete service medical records and lack of information on VA treatment in the 1970s.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a positive tuberculin test and hypertension were denied. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right knee strain residuals was not granted, but the claim for an initial compensable evaluation for left knee strain residuals was granted.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional evidence review and a VA examination to determine the severity of his right and left knee disorders.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of recent medical evidence, including a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for his left knee disorder is being remanded due to procedural issues and potential VCAA compliance.

The veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for injuries to his right thigh, knee, and upper groin is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disorder, bilateral pes planus, carcinoma of the colon, and various knee and foot conditions. The RO also denied increased ratings for his right knee disability and compensable evaluations for his left clavicle fracture and bursitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA orthopedic examination and additional development of the record.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the veteran's knee pain and chronic fatigue are related to his service in the Persian Gulf War, including considering the criteria for undiagnosed illnesses.

The veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee disability, claimed as being proximately due to or the result of his service-connected low back disability, is remanded for additional development.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and new evidence. The case is now remanded for additional consideration.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and Hepatitis C due to lack of evidence of current disability related to service, with the exception that drug use was considered willful misconduct.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his service-connected tendinitis of the left knee and chondromalacia of the right knee.