Knee decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee strain and degenerative arthritis of the left knee, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The VA determined that the veteran's laceration scar of the left knee does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and an initial evaluation of 10 percent for the right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder must be further developed due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of his current condition. The case is being remanded to the RO for additional examination and consideration.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to address the nature and etiology of his right knee and left hip/buttock disabilities, including their relationship to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of a right knee disability and to reopen his claim for service connection of a back disability, finding that there was no competent evidence linking these disabilities to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further examination and evaluation, including obtaining additional medical records and conducting an orthopedic examination to determine if the appellant's hip and knee pain are related to her service-connected foot disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back disability, left knee disability, PTSD, diabetes mellitus, and low blood pressure with chronic dizziness and lightheadedness. The decision was based on a finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen these claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's shell fragment wound residuals of the right thigh, with numbness and paresthesias, warrant a 20 percent rating. Additionally, the degenerative joint disease of the right knee is separately rated at 10 percent.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for arthritis of the right knee and arthritis of the back, finding that new and material evidence was submitted. The veteran's current right knee arthritis is presumed to have been incurred during his active service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for osteoarthritis of the bilateral hands and right knee is being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice.

The Board found that the veteran's current left knee disorder was not caused by any injury during his active duty service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board granted an initial 10 percent evaluation for limitation of flexion and a separate 10 percent evaluation for right knee instability, effective August 10, 2001. The veteran's claim for service connection for limitation of extension was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, including degenerative joint disease, finding that there was no current diagnosis of such a condition and that any chronicity found in service did not result in a present disability.

The veteran's major depression is rated at 70 percent, his left knee disability at 10 percent, and his bilateral hearing loss remains noncompensable. The total unemployability claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the claims due to a lack of original Social Security Administration (SSA) decision and supporting medical records, which may contain relevant information for the veteran's claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected injury to Muscle Group XV from gunshot wound warrants a 40 percent rating, and his service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left knee warrants a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found no evidence of a left knee disorder or a disorder manifested by chest pain that began during service and denied the veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee disability and for service connection for a right knee disability that is secondary to his service-connected left knee. The decision found no evidence of a right knee disability related to service or service-connected conditions.

The veteran's service-connected right knee disability is rated at 10 percent, effective May 29, 2002. The rating takes into account the presence of arthritis and pain that limits flexion to no more than 30 degrees.