Knee decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee and residuals of lumbar spine surgery, herniated disc L4-5 as secondary to osteoarthritis of the left knee. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or any incident therein.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 30 percent for the veteran's right knee disability, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his right knee meniscectomy and service connection for left knee retropatellar pain syndrome and a left hip disorder, all secondary to his right knee condition.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for post-traumatic arthritis of the right knee and instability were denied as his conditions did not warrant a rating greater than 20 percent or 10 percent, respectively.

The Board found that the veteran's current left and right knee disabilities are not related to his military service, thus denying service connection for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability and granted service connection on the merits. The appellant's other claims were denied.

The veteran's service-connected right knee disability is rated at a combined rating of 40 percent, based on instability and arthritis with painful motion.

The veteran's right knee disorder is currently rated at 40 percent from April 1, 2002. The appeal for higher ratings has been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a left knee, right knee or left ankle disability that was incurred in service. The VA examination scheduled for March 2005 was not attended by the veteran.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bronchitis, irritable bowel syndrome, restless leg syndrome, lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability, coronary artery disease, arthritis of the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and hands. The decision also denies service connection for bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including psychiatric disability, gynecological disability, bilateral foot and ankle disabilities, right shoulder and jaw disorders, chronic headaches, allergies, and hearing loss. The decision also addressed presumptive service connection claims based on undiagnosed illnesses.

The veteran's right knee disability is currently manifested by painful range of motion, moderate medial instability, arthritis and a mild antalgic limp. The Board has granted service connection for the right knee disability and assigned an initial 30 percent rating.

The Board found no evidence of a current left foot, bilateral knee, or left hip condition related to service. The veteran's claims for these conditions were denied.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary due to new evidence submitted by the veteran and a need for a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for SMC at the housebound rate was granted effective April 27, 1987. The veteran is entitled to this benefit due to his service-connected disabilities and inability to manage daily activities without assistance.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin rash, arthritis of the right knee, and arthritis of the left knee as there is no evidence of chronic conditions during or after military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and consideration.

The VA determined that the veteran's claims for initial compensable evaluations for right and left knee strains were denied, as there was no evidence of a current diagnosis or findings attributable to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the appellant's chronic residuals of in-service injuries to the shoulders, right knee, and left ankle are service-connected. Additionally, it is found that his preexisting bilateral foot disorder was aggravated by service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for further development and adjudication of his claims, including obtaining additional records and scheduling VA examinations.