Knee decisions — 2005

The Board found that the veteran's current back and left knee conditions are not related to his military service, as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to injuries sustained during active duty.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his postoperative chondromalacia of both knees, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The VA determined that the veteran's right knee disability, which is manifested by arthritis with flexion consistently at least 120 degrees or greater, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of the initial 10 percent assigned.

The veteran's service-connected right total knee arthroplasty and left knee osteoarthritis are currently manifested by limited range of motion, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The veteran is also unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate development of evidence, including a need for a VA examination and consideration of all pertinent diagnostic codes under the VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disorder, a right foot disorder, and a low back disorder. The veteran's current disabilities are related to injuries sustained during his military service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, tinea pedis (skin rash and peeling skin of both hands and feet), deviated septum, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and insomnia. The veteran's service records show that he experienced stressors related to his service in Southwest Asia, including exposure to enemy combat situations and witnessing the deaths of fellow soldiers.

The Board found that there is no evidence of any current left knee or ankle disability and the veteran's complaints are attributed to pes planus. The claims for service connection were denied as there was no medical evidence linking the disabilities to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for DJD of the right knee and left knee, finding no current evidence of arthritis in these joints and noting that any such condition is not related to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for paresthesia of the right knee and right great toe, finding that a higher rating was not assignable based on the evidence provided.

The Board denied service connection for a right quadriceps tendon repair and arthritis of the right knee, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against the claim.

The Board denied a higher initial evaluation for the veteran's left knee condition with left knee replacement, maintaining the current 30 percent rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for evaluations in excess of 10 percent for rheumatoid arthritis of his left shoulder, right shoulder, left knee, and right knee. The current evaluation of 20 percent is considered appropriate based on the residual functional limitations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his bilateral chondromalacia of the knees, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for right knee chondromalacia and 10 percent for left knee chondromalacia.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a left knee injury and arthritic change, which he claims occurred during his military service. The Board has decided to remand the case for further action.

The veteran's right knee disability is rated at 20% for instability and 10% for arthritis with limited motion. Service connection for psoriatic arthritis was denied, but the veteran maintains a TDIU claim.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to the RO due to the need for further examination and development of evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection due to lack of new and material evidence, except for a finding that his skin cancer may be related to exposure to herbicides in service. The other conditions were not found to be incurred or aggravated by service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a personal hearing before a member of the Board, seated at the RO.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability, degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the right knee, DJD of the right shoulder, status-post rotator cuff repair, and an adjustment disorder. The veteran was granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss.