Knee decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee disability and an increased rating for residuals of a fracture of the left fifth fingertip. The veteran was previously awarded noncompensable service connection for the fifth finger disability, which was later increased to 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a separate 20 percent rating for laxity of the left knee was granted. The effective date is not specified as it falls within the general rule.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine and left knee disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's left and right knee disabilities, diagnosed as chondromalacia, do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent due to their current range of motion. The RO had previously granted increased evaluations for both knees to 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete responses from the VA examiner regarding the etiology of the veteran's pes planus, bilateral knee and back disorders.

The Board has granted a 10% disability evaluation for the veteran's narrowing of the left temporomandibular joint space, finding that it meets the criteria for this rating. Service connection for the left knee disability was denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a compensable initial disability rating for his right knee, status post arthroscopy.

The Board has remanded the veteran's appeal due to additional development of his medical records and a VA examination is needed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a genitourinary infection and bilateral knee arthritis, finding no current evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left knee was incurred or aggravated in his active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for traumatic arthritis of the right knee with limitation of motion and pain was denied. The current rating is 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for left ankle disorder. The issue of service connection for right knee disorder is REMANDED to the RO.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease with atrial fibrillation and amputation of the left thigh, have resulted in a level of incapacity consistent with loss of use of his right foot. The Board has determined that he is entitled to special monthly compensation based on loss of use of the right foot.

The Board denied service connection for multiple basal cell carcinomas of the skin and leiomyosarcoma of the knee, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to radiation or DDT that could support a presumption. The conditions were not shown to be directly related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee and residuals of a right knee injury, characterized as chondromalacia patella. The RO found that there was no evidence of arthritis or instability in either knee, and the range of motion was within normal limits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disorder did not have its onset during service or within one year of service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The VA determined that the veteran's left knee disability, which includes residuals of a lateral meniscectomy, does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to determine if he currently has any residuals of shell fragment wounds to the right knee. The claim for service connection and eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant are both pending.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic right knee disorder during service and denied the claim for service connection.

The RO denied increased ratings for left knee traumatic arthritis with limitation of flexion and extension, as well as a compensable rating for left knee strain. The veteran's left knee disabilities are currently rated at 20 percent for traumatic arthritis with limitation of flexion.