Knee decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for lumbar strain and a higher rating for right knee degenerative joint disease.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of functional loss or instability due to pain.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and readjudication of the initial ratings for hypothyroidism, bilateral knee strain, and residuals of a fracture of the left fifth metacarpal bone.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disability, finding that his current valgus deformity and arthritis are related to an injury sustained during military service.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 20 percent for the service-connected residuals of a shell fragment wound of the right knee area, which is equivalent to malunion of the tibia with moderate knee impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability, prior to May 12, 1995, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 30 percent. Since July 1, 1996, his right knee disability is rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Board found no current evidence of a left knee disorder and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board is considering whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee disability. If so, they will decide if this evidence relates to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining medical evidence and a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities alone require aid and attendance.

The veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for tendonitis of the left knee, based on an initial award, is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and increased rating for his left knee disability, finding that there was no timely appeal as to these issues. The issue of CUE in a January 1994 rating decision is not before the Board at this time.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities and low back disability, finding no evidence of a current disability or any superimposed chronic condition during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of his left knee disability, finding that the earliest possible effective date is February 26, 1996, which was the date he submitted his original claim.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased ratings due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left hip and deformity of the right acetabulum and femoral head, as well as his claim for degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the left knee. The RO found no new and material evidence to reopen any of these claims.

The veteran's claim for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance with special adaptive equipment, or for special adaptive equipment only is remanded due to the need for further examination and additional evidence.

The Board granted service connection for a right knee disorder and set the effective date to June 5, 2001.

The VA denied an increased rating for osteoarthritis of the right knee, finding that the condition is characterized by large periarticular osteophytes and extensive vascular calcifications but no limitation of motion or other disabling conditions. The current 10 percent disability rating adequately reflects the severity of the appellant's service-connected right knee disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee disability, finding no evidence that his current condition was related to his military service.