Knee decisions — 2006

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and denied his claims for service connection for right ankle and knee disorders. The claim to reopen a previously denied claim of service connection for residuals of injuries of the head and neck is also granted.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of traumatic arthritis of the right knee and right elbow was granted, with a rating of 20 percent. The claim for service connection for peripheral neuropathy due to herbicide exposure while in Vietnam was also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chondromalacia of the knees, a bilateral ankle disorder, and an impulse control disorder. The evidence did not establish a link between any current conditions and his active service.

The Board finds that the veteran's right knee injury was aggravated during service, and grants service connection for his right knee disability. However, there is no credible medical evidence linking any current left knee or bilateral foot disabilities to service.

The veteran's left knee disorder and actinic keratosis and acne rosacea were not found to be service-connected or warrant increased ratings.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that there is no evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The veteran's right knee disability warrants a combined rating of 20 percent, with separate ratings for chrondromalacia and instability. The left knee disability is rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's military service and his current bilateral knee conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee disability, characterized as degenerative joint disease (DJD) with a history of meniscal tear, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a back injury and bilateral knee injuries were denied as there was no evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or related to his military service.

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected patellofemoral pain syndrome of the right and left knees, as well as his laceration of the left thumb. The effective dates are not specified in this decision.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 10% for the veteran's service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease, with pain on limitation of motion. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression with eating disorder) due to bilateral knee disabilities is also granted.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's current left knee and low back disorders, including obtaining medical opinions regarding their relationship to service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for further development and consideration of both service connection and temporary total disability rating issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee arthritis is likely caused by her service-connected right knee disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's cervical strain was rated at 10 percent from June 1, 2003, to September 25, 2003. His left knee disability and allergic rhinitis were both rated as non-compensable.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation for convalescent purposes due to his service-connected right knee disability, finding that he did not meet the criteria under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current left knee or left hip disorders, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. Service connection for missing teeth due to trauma during service was already established.

The veteran's multiple disabilities, including end stage macular degeneration and lumbosacral degenerative disc disease, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and incomplete medical records, requiring a new evaluation of the veteran's left knee disability.