Knee decisions — 2005

The Board denied increased evaluations for chondromalacia of the left and right knees, finding that the veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for arthritis of the left knee, finding that his disability did not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence provided.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for retropatellar pain syndrome of the left knee, based on limitation of motion and instability. The combined evaluation is now 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a left knee injury, manifested by soft tissue calcification, are causally related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of qualifying disability.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an immature personality disorder, panic disorder with adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety, ischemic heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, chloracne of the hands and face, and diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure are all denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year of service. The veteran's claims for left knee disorder and bone spurs of the heels were withdrawn prior to a decision.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hepatitis C and bilateral knee disability, finding no medical evidence establishing a nexus to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and a cervical spine disorder. The veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his VA medical records and a de novo review.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee disabilities based on new evidence submitted since the last denial.,Service connection was denied for a skin condition as there is no evidence linking it to service.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examination reports and requests for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development to address whether the veteran is entitled to a higher initial rating for his right knee DJD and instability.

The veteran is entitled to service connection for arthritis of the knees due to exposure to severe weather during service.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis, finding that it first appeared during active military service and has continued to the present.

The Board denied the veteran's appeals for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected bipolar disorder, left knee disorder, and right knee disorder. The veteran was assigned a 10 percent rating for each knee condition.

The RO denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim of service connection for psychiatric disability, including PTSD. The effective date remains April 17, 2001.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the right hip and left knee do not warrant an increased evaluation as their current ratings are already at the maximum schedular criteria.