Knee decisions — 2004

The veteran's initial and increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disabilities have been denied.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability, which is manifested by characteristic pain and occasional swelling but with only minimal limitation of motion, does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected left knee disorder, post-operative residuals of left knee arthroscopy, is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling. The Board found that the disability does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for arthritis of the right knee with instability, effective from July 1, 1997 to August 28, 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ear hearing loss existed prior to service and was not aggravated during service. The veteran's current bilateral knee disability is not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for post/operative residuals of a right medial meniscectomy is reopened, but denied an increased rating for his left knee disability.

The Board granted service connection for residuals of right and left knee disabilities, respiratory condition, and Meniere's syndrome. The rating for tinea pedis was increased to 10 percent, and the claimant is entitled to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected Meniere's syndrome.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection due to new and material evidence, but did not address the merits of these claims as they were decided on the basis of direct service connection.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's post-operative residuals of right knee surgery, finding that her disability does not warrant a higher than 10 percent evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disorder is proximately due to, or the result of, his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and further development of evidence is needed, including obtaining private medical records and scheduling a VA examination for both knees.

The veteran's ganglion cyst on the right wrist is rated at 10 percent, and his chondromalacia of the right knee is rated at 20 percent. The PTSD claim remains unchanged with a rating of 30 percent.

The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus as secondary to herbicide exposure, and also found that the veteran's active duty included service in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam era. The claim for a bilateral knee disability is pending.

The VA has denied increased ratings for postoperative residuals of a left knee injury and degenerative joint disease of the left knee, as both conditions are currently rated at their maximum allowable under the applicable rating criteria.

The VA denied increased ratings for the appellant's left and right knee disabilities, which were rated at 30 percent each. The appellant's knees are currently manifested by limited motion with some pain.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee and ankle disabilities were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected knee disabilities, and readjudicating the claims based on all relevant evidence.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a bilateral hand or knee disorder, and thus the veteran's claims for service connection are denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disability and right lower quadrant lipoma, finding that a compensable rating was not warranted.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the veteran's right knee disability, and the claim will be remanded for this purpose.