Knee decisions — 2004

The Board denied service connection for a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) and denied entitlement to an increased rating for the veteran's right knee disability. The right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent under combined ratings.

The Board has granted a higher evaluation of 30 percent for the service-connected left knee disability, which was previously rated at 20 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's appeal was untimely and denied both issues on appeal.

The veteran's right knee condition is rated at 20 percent, and his left knee condition does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for further development due to conflicting medical opinions and incomplete records. The veteran seeks service connection for bilateral knee disability and lumbar spine disability, both of which are currently service-connected.

The Board has denied initial compensable ratings for both left knee patellofemoral syndrome and left foot calcaneal spur.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional evidence and an examination, as well as clarification of service connection issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran's knee disability is related to his military service and granted service connection for this condition.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left femur fracture with faulty union, left total knee replacement is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, ankle arthritis, knee disability, and low back disability as secondary to a bilateral pes planus disability. The disabilities were not shown by competent evidence to be causally related to active service.

The Board is remanding the veteran's claims for service connection and reopening of a claim due to incomplete records, and requests that the RO obtain additional medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the appellant's right knee disorder is service-connected, as it was incurred during her period of active duty for training.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right knee and bilateral pes planus, as well as service connection for a left knee disability. The RO granted service connection for both conditions but did not assign compensable ratings.

The RO denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left knee and a low back disorder, as well as his claim for an increased rating for diabetes mellitus type II. The RO also referred to the RO other issues related to secondary service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for pelvic pain due to ovarian fibroids, low back disorder, cervical strain and bilateral knee disorders, as well as the claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for post-traumatic headaches. The case is remanded for further development regarding Graves' disease with orbitopathy.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeal as he withdrew his claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for a left knee disorder prior to the issuance of a decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral knee disability, including arthritis, did not begin during service or within one year of separation from active duty. The evidence does not support a finding of chronicity and there is no medical opinion linking his current condition to service.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right tibia and fibula fracture residuals is being remanded due to the inextricably intertwined nature with other service connection issues. The RO will also consider a separate claim for service connection for a right ankle disorder, DJD with meniscal tear of the right knee, and instability of the right knee.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of a left knee disability due to lack of new and material evidence.