Knee decisions — 2004

The Board has remanded the case due to a need for further examination and development of records related to the veteran's left knee injury.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations, finding that there was insufficient evidence to grant these claims.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee joint replacement is being remanded to the RO for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding whether the veteran's disabilities are secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected internal derangement of the left knee and traumatic arthritis of the left knee.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to lack of recent medical evidence and unclear disability manifestations.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current bilateral hearing loss or right knee disability for VA purposes and thus, service connection is denied.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by her representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his right knee condition, finding that the symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The veteran's appeal of entitlement to service connection for a chronic acquired right knee disorder claimed as residuals of injury is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for an examination.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed right knee injury was not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a left knee injury and arthritis do not warrant disability ratings higher than the current 30 percent for each condition.

The Board found that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her physical limitations.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, right knee and leg injuries were denied as the evidence did not show that his conditions warranted a compensable evaluation.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and left knee disability are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding medical records.

The Board has granted the veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a low back disability. The issues of an increased rating for a hip disability, an increased rating for sinusitis, and whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen claims of entitlement to service connection for left knee disability are addressed in the remand appended to this decision.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and an examination.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder. The case was remanded due to the need for additional development.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hearing loss of the right ear was denied. His claims for increased ratings for prostatitis, right knee chondromalacia, and left knee chondromalacia were also denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee disability and bilateral flat feet, finding no evidence of current disabilities. The low back disability claim is remanded due to conflicting medical opinions.