Knee decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, finding that there was insufficient evidence to establish a link between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for various knee, shoulder, back, and hand disorders. The veteran is advised to provide records of his treatment in June 2005 and undergo an orthopedic examination.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disorder is not related to service or a service-connected disability, and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed chronic back disability and bilateral knee disabilities are not service-connected, as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for secondary service connection for a bilateral knee disability due to a back disability is also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability originated during active service and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bipolar disorder, bilateral knee disability, and residuals of a low back injury. The claim for residuals of ankle sprains was reopened but not granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and service personnel records. The veteran's right hip disability will be reviewed in conjunction with his already service-connected right knee scar.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a left knee injury do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, as he currently has full and normal range of motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not service connected, with no exposure to herbicide agents and no evidence of a nexus between his current condition and military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for right knee and ankle disabilities were denied as there was no evidence to support the secondary relationship between his service-connected left knee disability and these conditions.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee condition due to new and material evidence, but finds that there is no evidence of a chronic right knee condition or injury in service. The Board also found that the medical opinion linking the current right knee condition to service was not probative.

The Board found that the veteran did not have chronic right knee symptoms in service and there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition. The current right knee disorder is considered to be unrelated to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board finds that the veteran's right knee disability, manifested by strain with synovitis, swelling and a thickened ACL, is due to an injury sustained during his military service. By extending the benefit of doubt to the veteran, the claim for service connection is granted.

The VA has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent her from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with her education and occupational background, thus denying her claim for a total rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's leg and knee problems are not related to her service or a service-connected condition, including her low back disability. Therefore, she is denied service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back and knee disabilities are not related to his service.,Service connection for a low back disability, right knee disability, or left knee disability cannot be established as they are not shown to have been incurred in or aggravated by service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the previously denied claims for service connection have not been reopened with new and material evidence, and thus remain denied.