Knee decisions — 2005

The Board found no evidence of a pre-existing right knee condition that was aggravated by service, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for disabilities of the ankles, knees, hips and back as secondary to service-connected bilateral pes planus with metatarsalgia. The veteran's disability rating for his service-connected bilateral pes planus with metatarsalgia was increased to 50 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on instability or arthritis.

The Board has remanded the case for clarification of whether the veteran requests a personal hearing and scheduling if appropriate. The appeal is not about service connection for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, and increased evaluations for right knee degenerative arthritis and right shoulder scapula fracture with residual chronic right rhomboid muscle tendonitis were denied. The Board found that the veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar spine disorder warrants a 40 percent disability rating under the old criteria, which is the highest available rating for severe limitation of motion. The other claims are not addressed as they do not meet the required criteria.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding no new and material evidence to reopen a claim for left shoulder disorder. Service connection was not established for right shoulder, low back, right leg, left leg, right knee, left knee cyst and iliotibial band syndrome, or disorders manifested by burning in the arches of the feet.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional examinations and development of her claims file. The issues include evaluations for systemic lupus erythematosus, right foot tarsal tunnel syndrome, low back strain, and right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case to the RO for further action consistent with a joint motion of the parties.

The Board has remanded the case back to the RO for completion of a requested hearing and further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations for various disabilities, finding no current left ankle disability or other residuals related to service.

The veteran's right knee disability was rated at 20 percent prior to October 4, 2002 and increased to 30 percent from December 1, 2003. The residuals of his nasal fracture were rated at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete examination reports and unaddressed questions.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral knee disability and cervical spine disability, but granted a 40% rating for low back disability effective from March 1992. The veteran's claim for increased ratings of his postoperative deviated nasal septum with chronic congestion and TDIU remains pending.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and evaluations regarding the veteran's bilateral knee disability, lumbar spine disability, and bilateral pes planus.

The Board has granted higher ratings for the veteran's left femoral fracture and right knee injuries, but denied a separate rating for limitation of extension. The effective date remains pending.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral knee, bilateral leg, and right ankle disorders due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The VA has determined that the veteran is currently employed and therefore does not meet the criteria for a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.