Knee decisions — 2005

The Board denied an increased rating for COPD, finding that the veteran's pulmonary function tests did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claims for initial ratings of 20% and above for acromioclavicular degenerative joint disease with impingement syndrome of both shoulders, and for patellofemoral arthritis of the right knee were remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and a back disorder, finding that his current conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the preponderance of the evidence is against the claims for a higher rating for the residuals of right knee and left shoulder injuries, resulting in denial.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and need for further examination. Service connection will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including right elbow, left elbow, right knee, hip, eye injuries, and hearing loss. The ratings for his right clavicle fracture residuals and right index finger injury were also not granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disability, which he claimed was secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The evidence did not support the claim.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the right knee, indentation of the right leg, and pain in the right eye due to lack of evidence showing a current disability or a relationship to service.

The Board found no evidence of a bilateral knee disorder or hypertension in service, and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that either condition was incurred during active duty. The claim for service connection is therefore denied.

The Board granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, right hip strain, left hip strain, and herpes simplex (Type A & B). The veteran's claims for left knee disability, groin disability, and removal of warts on the left elbow were also granted. Service connection was denied for other conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for her service-connected left knee internal derangement, currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling. The evidence did not show severe impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral knee disability was incurred during his active duty service and is therefore granted service connection.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed right knee, skin disability of the feet, left knee, left ankle, and right hand disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that additional development is required to fulfill VA's obligations under the VCAA, including obtaining a medical opinion and providing proper notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his right lower leg scar did not warrant a higher rating due to lack of moderately severe disability.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent for limitation of flexion, instability or subluxation of the right knee and a separate 10 percent rating for traumatic arthritis. The veteran's service-connected right knee disability is now rated as 40 percent disabling.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his attorney indicating he only wishes to pursue the claim for service connection for a bilateral eye disability. The remaining issues have been dismissed.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, other than PTSD. The case is remanded to allow for further development and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder as secondary to the veteran's service-connected right ankle, knee and hip disorders. The condition was aggravated by these service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a chronic shoulder disability or shoulder pain, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness.,The Board also denied service connection for a chronic knee disability or knee pain, to include as due to an undiagnosed illness. Service connection was granted for fatigue, but only based on direct evidence.