Knee decisions — 2004

The Board has denied service connection for hypertension and arthritis, but found new and material evidence to reopen claims for residuals of injury to the right great toe and pancreatitis. The veteran's mixed connective tissue disease is not considered a skin condition.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development due to VCAA compliance issues and consideration of secondary service connection theories.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities have been denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under applicable VA regulations.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings have been granted, with the exception of his claim for a scar from an excision of a cyst on the right thigh. The other conditions and issues were all granted.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for left knee disability, other than a laceration scar. The issue regarding a compensable evaluation for a laceration scar was not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's right knee instability, finding that it was no more than moderate.

The Board denied all the claims, including service connection for various conditions and reopening of certain disability claims. The denial was based on lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service or exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for a videoconference hearing and further development.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and a compensable rating are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to walk without the aid of a wheelchair, and he is entitled to specially adapted housing assistance or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current cervical spine condition, including headaches and numbness of the right arm, is service-connected. The remaining claims for asthma, TMJ syndrome, a right shoulder disability, bilateral knee disabilities, and left ankle or foot disabilities are remanded for further development.

The Board has granted service connection for the right knee arthroplasty residuals and assigned a 10% evaluation for post concussion syndrome, finding that the veteran's current disability is at least as likely as not due to an injury sustained in service.

The veteran's initial ratings for his left knee disorder and low back disorder were denied. The left knee disorder is rated at 10 percent, effective January 1, 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for major depression, secondary to his right shoulder injury, requires further development and review. The case is being remanded to determine the extent of any relationship between the veteran's current depression and his service-connected right shoulder injury.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension on account of need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral eye disability, right knee disability, cervical spine disability, and right arm and shoulder disability. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease related to these conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development and notification as required by the VCAA. The claims for service connection are not yet decided.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical radiculopathy with degenerative joint disease, finding that it is a qualifying chronic disability presumed to have been incurred as a result of service within one year from the date of separation from service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including a right knee disability, positive tuberculosis test, gastrointestinal disability, and genitourinary disability. The evidence does not support current diagnoses or link these conditions to military service.