Knee decisions — 2004

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected chondromalacia of the right knee with minimal arthritic changes, finding that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a compensable rating for hemorrhoids, and that the earliest effective date for service connection of residuals of left knee injury was August 21, 1990, and for left trochanter bursitis was June 6, 1989.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected gunshot wound to the right shoulder is granted, and he is assigned a 10 percent disability rating. The claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for postoperative malignant schwannoma of the right knee due to Agent Orange exposure is also granted.

The veteran is seeking additional vocational rehabilitation training for a degree in physical therapy due to worsening service-connected disabilities. The Board has determined that further development, including medical examinations and opinions, is needed before the case can be fully adjudicated.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current seizure disorder or right knee condition that could be related to service. Therefore, the veteran's claims for service connection have been denied.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected right knee injury was granted, maintaining the current rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee and ankle disorders as new and material evidence was not received. The claim of service connection for a bilateral hand disorder is also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no causal relationship between his current disabilities and his military service or any service-connected condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for left knee strain and his service connection claim for nerve damage of the right foot have been denied. The veteran's left knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, with no additional limitation or symptoms beyond those already considered in the rating criteria. For the nerve damage claim, there is insufficient evidence to link a current right foot disability to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for additional examinations. The veteran's claims are not yet decided.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 and other relevant regulations.

The Board has remanded the case due to conflicting medical opinions regarding whether the veteran's bilateral hip arthritis is related to his service-connected left knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has remanded the claims for higher ratings for postoperative nasal polyposis and lumbosacral spine arthritis to allow for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions regarding the relationship of these disabilities to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent disabling for his right knee joint injury was denied as the evidence did not show more than moderate impairment.

The Board denied the claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected dermatophytosis of the right hand and both feet, finding that the condition does not present such an unusual or exceptional disability picture with related factors as marked interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization as to render inapplicable the regular schedular standards.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the knees and right elbow, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional service medical records and to schedule the veteran for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his left and right knee disabilities.

The Board denied increased ratings for bilateral pes planus, right knee disability, and left knee disability as the evidence did not show any more than severe or minimal conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral knee disorder, manifested by arthritis of both knees, is causally related to his service-connected bilateral pes planus and therefore grants service connection for this condition.