Knee decisions — 2005

The veteran's left knee disorder, characterized by a large radial flap tear of the lateral meniscus and associated instability, is rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5257.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her service-connected right and left knee disabilities, finding that she did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on arthritis or other service-connected conditions. The veteran was granted a 20% evaluation for postoperative chondromalacia of the right knee.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound, thus denying his claim for special monthly compensation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a hip disability and an increased rating for chondromalacia of the right knee. The evidence did not show that the veteran had a current hip disability or that his right knee condition warranted a higher rating.

The Board has granted service connection for major depression and an increased rating of 10 percent for chrondromalacia of the right knee. The TDIU claim is still pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's postoperative right knee injury is not related to his military service, and his acquired psychiatric disorder (including PTSD) was first shown years after service and is not linked to any incident of service. The claims for increased evaluation and TDIU are also pending.

The veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his rheumatoid arthritis is denied. Service connection was granted for eczema of the hands, but not for distorted hearing in the left ear or crepitus of the knees.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to Muscle Group XII of the right leg do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent. However, giving the benefit of doubt and considering the evidence in equipoise as to whether post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the right knee is related to his service-connected condition, the Board has determined that a separate disability evaluation of 10 percent for this condition should be granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a medical opinion.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of evidence, including obtaining VA treatment records and addressing the increased rating claims and TDIU issue.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a right shoulder disability that is due to, or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and reconsideration due to a previous denial of service connection for a left knee disability, including degenerative arthritis. The veteran's claim will be reviewed again with additional records from SSA and the Unemployment Commission of Monroe County, North Carolina.

The case is being remanded for additional development to ensure that all relevant medical records are obtained and reviewed, and for a VA examination to assess the current severity of the veteran's bilateral knee disorders.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral spine myopathy, arthrotomy of the left knee secondary to chondromalacia, and postoperative realignment, extension mechanism of the right knee were denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee chondromalacia warrants a 10 percent evaluation, effective from the date of his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability is service-connected, with doubt in favor of the claimant. The decision grants service connection for residuals of a left knee injury.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current left knee disability attributable to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for residuals of a right knee injury, finding no new and material evidence.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain an opinion regarding the etiology of the veteran's right knee disorder, specifically whether it is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.