Knee decisions — 2005

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected left knee disorder does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5257. The claim for an increased disability rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is denied.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for emphysema and lung cancer due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service. The right lower leg scar is granted as service-connected, but the remaining claims are denied.

The Board granted the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his low back disability and left ear tinnitus, as well as service connection for bilateral hearing loss, maxillary sinusitis, and migraine headaches. The claim for a right ankle disability was denied, as were those for a left ankle disability, and a bilateral knee disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and possibly scheduling a VA examination.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability, concluding that the veteran's condition existed prior to his enlistment and was not incurred in active service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development of his claims, including obtaining medical records and ensuring compliance with notification requirements.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for traumatic arthritis of the right knee and internal derangement of the right knee, as both conditions are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 and service connection for a left knee disability, finding that his pre-existing back condition was not aggravated by an inpatient fall at a VA facility in August 1991.

The veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities do not meet the percentage requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, as they do not result in a combined rating of 70 percent or greater. The RO has determined that his claim is denied.

The veteran's right knee disability, characterized as chondromalacia patella, results in limitation of extension to -10 degrees and flexion to 122 degrees with pain at 97 degrees. The VA has granted a 20 percent rating for this condition.

The Board has dismissed the veteran's appeal for service connection for residuals of a right fourth finger fracture. The remaining issues of entitlement to service connection for neck, back, and left knee disorders are being remanded for further development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a back injury. The claims for bilateral knee disability, right foot disability, and right wrist nerve palsy are being remanded due to insufficient medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed right knee and left knee disorders, as well as his right shoulder and left shoulder disorders, were not incurred or aggravated during active military service.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected left lower extremity disabilities are denied as the combined rating already meets the maximum schedular rating available.

The Board has granted service connection for the right ulna and radius injuries, but denied service connection for a back disability. The rating for the right ulna and radius injuries remains at 10 percent after accounting for pre-existing impairment. The left knee chondromalacia is rated at 40 percent.

The veteran is entitled to additional special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person due to his service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claim, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disorders have been granted, with the effective date of November 2004.