Knee decisions — 2004

The veteran's major depressive disorder is caused or aggravated by her service-connected left knee chondromalacia. The RO must ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 to notify the veteran and assist in substantiating her claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected right and left knee retropatellar pain syndrome have been granted, but he is seeking higher disability ratings for these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's request for extension of a temporary total rating based on the need for convalescence beyond January 31, 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to service connection for a bilateral knee disorder as there is no evidence of any such condition during or after his military service.

The veteran seeks service connection for a left knee disability that is secondary to his already service-connected bilateral pes planovalgus with plantar keratosis and ankle pain. The case has been remanded due to the need for further examination and medical opinion.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain a VA examination and address whether the appellant is entitled to a separate compensable rating for a right knee disability not contemplated by Diagnostic Code 5010.

The Board denied the claims for service connection for the cause of death, entitlement to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, and entitlement to Dependents' Educational Assistance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between the veteran's service-connected conditions and his death.

The VA determined that the veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome and right thigh tendonitis do not warrant a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's headaches are related to service and granted service connection.

The VA has determined that the veteran's right knee disability, which is currently rated at 20 percent, does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for reopening his hip and knee disability service connection claims, finding that new and material evidence had not been received.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected back, right knee, and left ankle disabilities due to incomplete examinations and new regulations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and notification of his rights under the VCAA.

The Board has determined that the veteran's thoracolumbosacral scoliosis and right knee strain are aggravated by service, warranting service connection.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the knees, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not shown to be proximately due to, aggravated by, or the result of service-connected frostbite.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and an inguinal hernia as a result of exposure to herbicides. The claim for arthritis of the left knee was remanded due to lack of development.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for additional development due to procedural defects in VCAA notification.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development of the record, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling VA examinations.