Knee decisions — 2005

The Board found that the veteran's left knee replacement does not meet the criteria for a higher initial disability rating beyond 30 percent.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and requests further examination for hypertension and left knee disorder.

The Board denied reopening the claim for service connection for a left knee disorder, as secondary to service-connected chondromalacia patella of the right knee due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for stomach, right knee, low back, and right shoulder disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for left and right knee disorders, as well as his claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were related to service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability, separate ratings for bilateral tinnitus, an initial evaluation in excess of zero percent for bilateral hearing loss, and an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia. The decision is final.

The VA determined that the veteran's right knee disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as it did not meet the criteria for more severe limitations such as subluxation or instability. The current evaluation is considered appropriate.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's left knee disability, finding that the current evaluation of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5257 is not supported by evidence of recurrent subluxation or lateral instability. The RO was asked to consider whether a separate, compensable rating could be assigned under any other diagnostic codes, including those related to arthritis and limitation of motion.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disorder existed prior to service and was not permanently aggravated by service. The right knee disorder was also found to be unrelated to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board videoconference hearing. The specific issues of service connection are not addressed as the appeal is in process.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a currently diagnosed left knee disorder that had its origins during service. The claim for right knee disorder is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and provide an opinion regarding the etiology of the current right knee disability.

The VA denied increased evaluations for the veteran's knee and foot conditions, finding that her symptoms did not warrant higher ratings based on current medical evidence.,The veteran's right knee arthritis was rated at 10%, with no additional instability or subluxation noted. Her left knee arthritis was also rated at 10%. The right knee instability (patellofemoral syndrome and instability) was rated at 20%, while the left patellofemoral syndrome with instability was rated at 10%. The veteran's fallen arches, calluses, contracted toes, and foot bone deformity were rated at 30%.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a stomach ulcer and upper back condition, are denied as secondary to his service-connected low back disability. The left ankle condition is granted as secondary to the service-connected low back disability.

The Board has determined that additional evidentiary development is needed, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an orthopedic examination of the right knee. The veteran's claim for a higher evaluation remains pending.

The Board denied service connection for hearing loss, skin disorder, and low back disorder (claimed as secondary to a service-connected right knee disability) due to lack of evidence establishing a nexus between the current conditions and military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding VA and Social Security Administration records, as well as a VA examination.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his right knee disability.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder as secondary to a right foot disorder and an increased rating for his scar, bottom of left foot, residual of excision are being remanded due to the inextricability of these issues. He needs to be scheduled for a VA examination to assess the severity of his scar condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right hip and right knee disabilities, including rheumatoid arthritis, finding that there is no evidence of a link between his current conditions and his active service.