Knee decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for chondromalacia of the right knee, except during a temporary total rating period from May 17, 2002 to June 30, 2002, is being remanded due to procedural deficiencies and the need for further development.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the left knee is mixed. Prior to March 26, 1998, he was granted a higher rating based on limitation of flexion and pain. As of May 1, 1999, his total knee replacement resulted in some limitation of motion but no severe painful motion or weakness.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of right knee, right hip, and low back disabilities as secondary to his service-connected right ankle strain with arthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for a chronic acquired low back disorder and an increased rating of 10 percent for left knee strain with arthritis from October 29, 2003. The appeal regarding TDIU is referred to the RO&IC.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further development and adjudicative action due to a lack of VA orthopedic examination addressing whether the veteran's current left knee disorder is related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability warrants a rating of 20 percent, reflecting moderate subluxation and flexion to no more than 125 degrees.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss and granted service connection for a right knee disability, but the rating assigned was only 10 percent. The low back disability issue is remanded to the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee popliteal cyst, heart murmur, and bilateral shoulder disability are all related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied, and the initial disability ratings assigned for various conditions were also denied. The appeals are not granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than February 28, 2002 for increased ratings of his psychiatric disorder and left knee disorder.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims due to incomplete notification and development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA). The RO is instructed to ensure all required notifications are provided, obtain relevant medical records, schedule a VA ENT examination, and review the claims for service connection and increased rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected right knee injury, granted service connection for left knee impairment and left hip impairment, but denied service connection for right hip impairment as secondary to his service-connected right knee.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for left foot, left knee, and back disorders as secondary to his service-connected paresthesia right knee and right great toe disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and a need for an orthopedic examination to determine if the veteran's left knee disorder is related to service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his postoperative residuals of a medial meniscectomy of the right knee is being remanded due to additional evidence received since the most recent supplemental statement of the case.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a hearing before the RO and a videoconference hearing with a member of the Board.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development due to procedural errors and insufficient evidence.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability in any of the claimed conditions and denied service connection for left knee, right knee, and left ankle disorders.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a chronic acquired disorder of the right knee. The veteran's claims regarding a back disorder with arthritis as secondary to a right knee disorder are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service records and further development is required.