Knee decisions — 2005

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability, currently rated at 10 percent, does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating based on recurrent subluxation or lateral instability. However, it did find that he has limitation of motion warranting a separate 10 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5260.

The veteran's claim for increased evaluations of his service-connected left knee arthritis was denied. Prior to July 10, 2002, the evaluation remained at noncompensable (0%). From July 10, 2002 onwards, an evaluation in excess of 10% is not warranted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a kidney disorder and granted service connection for residuals of shrapnel wounds to the right knee and chest. The veteran's current conditions are rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board granted a temporary 100% rating for the veteran's right knee disability from July 19, 2000 to August 31, 2001. From September 1, 2001, the veteran is rated at 30%. The effective date remains pending as it was not specified in the decision.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection of a left knee disorder secondary to his right foot stress fracture with metatarsalgia and an increased rating for his right foot disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and requests for additional development.

The Board found no evidence of current disabilities in the conditions listed, and thus denied service connection for all claimed disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee instability and arthritis are being remanded to the RO for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of extraschedular rating.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for post-operative residuals of a left knee osteotomy, traumatic arthritis as a post-operative residual of a left knee osteotomy, and instability as a post-operative residual of a left knee osteotomy were denied by the Board. The conditions have been manifested by complaints of pain, swelling, crepitus, locking, and weakness at various times, with some improvement in symptoms since April 3, 1998.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral pes planus, service connection for low back disability and bilateral knee disability, service connection for headaches as secondary to flat feet, and service connection for a skin lesion of the left buttock due to microwave radiation exposure. The current status of these claims is pending further action.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right and left ankles with below the knee amputation of each, as well as bilateral pes planus. The evidence did not show that these conditions were related to service.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected gunshot wound to the left knee, currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board found no evidence of a current left knee disability related to service, and arthritis was first demonstrated many years after service. The veteran's bilateral upper leg disability is not considered service-connected due to lack of evidence. The back disability claim also lacks legal merit or entitlement under the law.,There is no evidence showing that the veteran currently suffers from hearing loss for VA compensation purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right knee disability is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for ratings in excess of 10 percent for his right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board denied an increased rating for a laceration scar on the right knee over the patella and service connection for degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the knees.

The veteran is seeking service connection for amputation of the left leg below the knee, claimed as secondary to his service-connected traumatic arthritis in the left ankle due to an ankle fracture. The case is being remanded for additional development including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA C&P examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left knee disability is related to an in-service injury, and thus service connection for residuals of a left knee injury is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's right knee condition, finding that it is aggravated by his service-connected left knee injury.