Knee decisions — 2004

The veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for chronic low back pain with degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the left knee are being remanded to allow for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities, finding that the current evaluations adequately reflect the severity of his conditions.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for additional development, including scheduling a VA orthopedic examination and complying with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder, claimed as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has granted a rating of 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected left knee disability, right knee disability, and low back disability. The effective date is not specified.

The veteran's multiple chronic conditions, not related to his service, require the regular aid and attendance of another person. His effective date for special monthly pension benefits is set at January 31, 2001.

The Board found that the veteran's right and left knee disabilities did not originate in service or due to his service-connected bilateral hammer toes. The claims for increased rating of bilateral hammertoes were also denied.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the veteran's increased evaluation of his left knee disorder, finding that no increase in disability was factually ascertainable prior to August 19, 2002.

The Board has determined that the appellant's right shoulder degenerative joint disease is service-connected, but his left knee and back conditions are not.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to uncertainty regarding knee instability and limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected traumatic degenerative arthritis of the right knee warrants a 10 percent rating, effective August 23, 2001. A separate 10 percent rating for slight lateral instability is also granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to unclear opinions regarding functional impairment and instability in the veteran's knees.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability, including chondromalacia and subluxation and lateral instability, warrants a 10 percent rating. The RO is directed to restore the 20 percent rating for chondromalacia of the right knee as of October 1, 1979.

The Board found that the veteran does not have current disabilities related to his service, specifically regarding residuals from a circumcision and left knee injury. As such, the appeal for these claims is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's preexisting left knee disorder existed before service and was not aggravated during active service, thus granting service connection for the condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claim for an increased evaluation for her service-connected anterior cruciate ligament tear of the left knee must be remanded to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act (VCAA) and other applicable law.

The Board is remanding the case to schedule a Travel Board hearing for the issue of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disorder.

The Board granted an increased rating to 20 percent for the service-connected chronic low back strain and denied a compensable rating for the residuals of the right knee injury.

The veteran's right and left knee disabilities were initially granted with a non-compensable evaluation. Since January 20, 2004, the disability has been rated at 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee and ankle injuries were not a result of VA treatment, as the injury occurred during a voluntary recreational activity at the VA Medical Center. The decision denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.