Knee decisions — 2004

The Board has granted a separate, compensable evaluation of 10% for arthritis of the left knee, in addition to the current 20% rating for residuals of a left knee meniscectomy. This decision is effective as of the date of the Board's decision.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of the claims, including obtaining SSA medical records and applying new rating criteria.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that no earlier effective date was warranted.

The veteran seeks service connection for secondary conditions related to his PTSD, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, an aneurysm, and a left above-the-knee amputation. The Board has ordered additional development as the current evidence is insufficient to determine the etiology of the veteran's hypertension.

The veteran's combined nonservice-connected disability rating is 80%, which does not meet the threshold requirement for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The veteran's PTSD is manifested by anxiety and nightmares, but has not been shown to be more than mild in severity. The RO granted service connection for PTSD with a 30 percent evaluation effective from August 8, 2001. The issue of an initial compensable rating for the shrapnel wound to the right knee will be addressed in the REMAND portion and is REMANDED.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for right knee, bilateral ankle, and low back disabilities. The appeals are dismissed.

The veteran's claim for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder was denied due to lack of verifiable in-service stressor. The left knee and foot disabilities were evaluated based on the current schedular criteria, with no additional extraschedular consideration granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability is being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for VCAA compliance.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and emphysema, finding that these conditions are related to the veteran's military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected residuals of fractures of the right and left 5th metacarpals, and for a left knee disorder are being remanded to allow for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development and readjudication of the claims, including determining whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's service connection claims.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral shoulder degenerative joint disease and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination. The veteran will be notified of what is required to complete this process.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral knee disability existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service and denied his claims.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a rating greater than 20 percent for his left knee disability, which was currently rated as 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5257 (other impairment of the knee manifested by recurrent subluxation or lateral instability).

The veteran's PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and his postoperative right knee condition is rated at 20 percent. Both conditions meet the criteria for their respective ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, and a separate 10 percent evaluation for arthritis is also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability warrants a 60 percent evaluation, effective from November 30, 1999.