Knee decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claim to reopen his service connection for a right knee condition due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has granted a 50 percent rating for the residuals of compression fractures at T12, L1, and L2 with disruption of the pars articularis of L4 and degenerative changes. The veteran's left knee replacement is rated as 60 percent disabling.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected conditions, finding that none of the criteria for a higher rating were met.

The veteran's claims for hepatitis C and right knee disability were denied. The claim for hepatitis C was remanded, while the claim for right knee disability remains denied.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for service connection or increased ratings.

The Board denied service connection for the cause of the veteran's death and denied entitlement to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C. § 1318 due to lack of evidence showing a causal relationship between the veteran's service-connected disabilities and his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death, finding that there was no evidence connecting the cerebral infarct which caused his death to any disorder incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disorder, bilateral ankle disability, and bilateral knee disability are not service-connected.

The veteran's service-connected knee and ankle disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations. The wrist disabilities are also considered, but the mixed nature of the issues means some conditions may warrant higher ratings while others do not.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disability, which includes total knee replacements, renders him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus granting a TDIU.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and right carpal tunnel syndrome, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the former denial. The claim for an increased rating for low back strain was referred to the RO.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding no evidence of a current disability or sufficient medical support to grant any of the requested benefits.

The Board has decided that further development of the evidence is required, and thus the case is being remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to obtain missing service and VA medical records, which may provide evidence relevant to the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for knee injuries.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder, left knee disorder, and asthma are related to service and have granted service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for his service-connected knee and shin disabilities are being remanded to allow for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee medial meniscal tear was not proximately caused by or the result of his service-connected bilateral pes planus with bunion, calluses and hallux valgus.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including injury to Muscle Groups XIV and XVII, right lower extremity with fracture of the femur and impairment of hip and femur motion with degenerative knee and hip changes, scars, and insomnia, are rated at a maximum of 60 percent. The case is granted as his TDIU claim is also met due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability, with mild degenerative joint disease and full range of motion, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.

The Board found no evidence of limitation of motion in the veteran's left knee, and thus denied an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative joint disease. For his skin disorder, the Board noted that while it was diagnosed as chronic recurrent fungal dermatophytosis affecting both hands and feet, there was no indication of more than topical therapy required during a period of twelve months, leading to denial of a higher evaluation.