Knee decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee and low back disabilities, finding that the evidence did not warrant a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for residuals of a left knee injury, status post fusion of the tarsal bone with hallux valgus and pes planus in the right foot, and hallux valgus and pes planus of the left foot are denied. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for service-connected residuals of a left knee injury were not met.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The noncompensable rating for the left wrist condition was granted, effective July 7, 2004.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the left knee and a low back disorder, but granted service connection for diabetes mellitus with a 20 percent rating.

The Board found that the veteran's current left knee disability is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disability did not have its onset during active service or result from disease or injury in service. Therefore, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for residuals of left knee injury and a 30 percent rating for chondromalacia of the right knee, effective from March 1997.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple issues, including his psychiatric disorder, diabetes mellitus, retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, right knee disorder, left knee arthritis, lumbar spine condition, cervical spine condition, lung disease (asbestosis), and hypertension. The Board found that new evidence did not reopen his claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder but denied all other claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection for back and knee disorders are being remanded due to incomplete National Guard records. The RO is instructed to verify the veteran's service in the National Guard, request his medical and personnel records from relevant units, and determine if service connection can be granted.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected residuals of concussion do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, as there is no evidence of neurological deficits or other manifestations recognized as symptomatic of brain trauma. The right knee disability issue was remanded due to inadequate examination findings.

The veteran's claim for service connection for thyroid disease was denied. His claims for increased evaluations of his bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional medical records.

The appellant has withdrawn their appeal, and the Board finds that it meets the criteria for dismissal.

The veteran's combined rating for service-connected disabilities is 40%, which does not meet the criteria for a TDIU. The Board finds that his disability alone does not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the left knee and service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II. The veteran's claim for diabetes mellitus is remanded.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further hearing and review.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right knee and low back disabilities, including arthritis, are not related to service. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability was not incurred or aggravated by active service and denied his claim.

The Board has granted service connection for peroneal tendinitis of the right leg, capsulitis and tendinitis of the left shoulder, myositis of the lumbar spine, internal derangement of the left knee, and arthritis of the left knee. The veteran's claims for increased initial ratings have been granted with a 40 percent rating for myositis of the lumbar spine.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's left knee injury, finding that the current 20 percent rating adequately reflects his symptoms and disability.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background.