Knee decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right and left knee disorders, finding that the symptoms did not warrant a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and the evidence does not show that a service-connected disability contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board found no evidence of a current disability or service incurrence related to right leg and knee injuries, and denied the claim.

The Board is remanding the case to the RO for additional development, including obtaining service records and medical evidence related to the veteran's knee disability.

The veteran appealed for increased ratings and service connection for various disabilities, including low back disability. The appeal was dismissed due to the veteran's death.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the veteran's claims of service connection for a low back and/or left knee disorders. The claim for a left ankle disorder was also denied as there is no diagnosis of a chronic left ankle disorder.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right knee injury due to lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or current disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and arthritis of the right knee, finding no current diagnosis for PTSD and insufficient evidence linking any diagnosed condition to military service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims of service connection for back and left knee disorders, finding new and material evidence. However, the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board denied service connection for left hip, left knee, and varicose veins disorders. The claim for a higher rating for lumbar spine disability was granted to 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service connection claim for residuals of an injury to the right knee is not warranted due to a lack of evidence linking his current disability to his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder and remanded the case for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a shrapnel wound to the right knee and excision of melanoma due to exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's claim for residuals of a shrapnel wound to the right knee was not supported by medical evidence of a current disability, while his claim for excision of melanoma was denied as there is no direct service connection or new and material evidence.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee disability is manifested by slight limitation of range of motion, fairly good knee stability, and subjective complaints of chronic pain. The criteria for an initial rating higher than 10 percent have not been met.

The Board determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or due to housebound status.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right elbow, and back disorders. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to military service.

The veteran requested a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) and has since changed his mind, requesting a video conference hearing. The case is being remanded to schedule this request.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's bilateral knee condition is currently manifested by slight limitation of motion and patellar tendon tenderness, but does not warrant a compensable evaluation. The RO denied the claims for service connection for residuals of right fifth finger injury, left ankle injury, and left pelvic injury.