Knee decisions — 2005

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected knee and back disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding that they are more than slight or mild in nature.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found no evidence of current heart disease or arthritis, and the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that these conditions began in service.

The veteran's back pain and joint pain are not service-connected, as they are attributed to his own degenerative conditions rather than an undiagnosed illness or exposure.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and increased ratings for the veteran's right foot navicular fracture residuals and degenerative changes in his right ankle.,The Board found that there was no direct or presumptive evidence linking the current right knee, right foot, and right ankle disabilities to active service.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for arthritis of the left knee and a separate 10 percent rating for left knee strain with history of medial collateral ligament injury, effective December 29, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for secondary service connection for a left knee disability, finding that there was no nexus between his current left knee condition and his service-connected scar, residual of chip fracture, distal anterior tibia, left leg.

The veteran's service-connected postoperative recurrent patellar subluxation of the right knee is rated at 30 percent, and the left knee at 10 percent. The rating for tinea pedis and onychomycosis has been increased to 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is related to his service-connected right ankle disability and grants this claim.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's right and left knee disabilities, finding that the current 10 percent ratings adequately reflected his disability picture.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for instability and arthritis in both knees, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, finding that the veteran's current condition is related to an in-service injury. Service connection was denied for a left knee and leg disability (ruling out radiculopathy).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a left knee injury and arthritis of the left knee, finding that his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations resulted in denial of these claims.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that the veteran's statements regarding in-service stressors have been corroborated by independent evidence. The other claims related to glaucoma, migraine headaches, degenerative changes of the right knee, and abrasions on the right knee are dismissed as the veteran withdrew his appeal.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for the veteran's arthritis of the right knee, finding that his symptoms warrant this level of compensation.

The Board has determined that further evidentiary development is necessary with regard to the issues on appeal, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination for the veteran's epilepsy. The case will be returned to the RO after these actions are completed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, finding no evidence of a chronic condition during service or that any current conditions are related to his military service.

The veteran's death was caused by a service-connected closed head injury with headaches, which contributed to his depression and suicide.

The VA has determined that the veteran's right knee disability, post-arthroscopy, does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right elbow, and left shoulder disorders. The claim for an initial compensable disability rating for residual scar from laceration of the left flank is granted.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder is being remanded to the RO for clarification of his hearing preferences and further development as necessary.