Knee decisions — 2006

The Board has remanded the case for further development and review of the evidence, including a VHA opinion.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and Social Security Administration (SSA) disability determination records. The veteran is also seeking separate ratings for left ankle orthopedic impairment and left knee instability.

The Board denied secondary service connection for hypertension and granted a 30% evaluation for the veteran's left knee disability, effective from March 2, 2005.

The Board has corrected the effective date for the grant of service connection for left dry eye to September 17, 1993. The initial rating for right knee disability remains at 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a recent period of active duty.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including a right knee disability and bilateral hearing loss, are not sufficient by themselves to preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background. Therefore, the criteria for establishing TDIU benefits are not met.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis, is related to his active service and granted service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for her right thumb fracture and right knee arthritis, finding that the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 10 percent or 20 percent, respectively. The decision also noted that hypertension was service-connected but did not provide an evaluation.

The Board found no evidence of a current right knee disability due to service and denied the claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and tinnitus were denied. The RO granted service connection for chondromalacia patella of the left knee, but reduced the rating from 30 percent to 10 percent effective June 1, 2004. The RO also granted increased ratings for the veteran's right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability warrants a rating of 30 percent, reflecting limitation of flexion to 15 degrees or less.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed left foot, right knee, and respiratory disorders (other than sinusitis and rhinitis) are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied a rating higher than 30 percent for residuals of a total left knee arthroplasty, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a cold injury to his hands and feet, including arthritis of the knees. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for bilateral hearing loss due to new evidence. However, the veteran's current level of bilateral hearing loss does not meet VA compensation criteria. The right knee disability is remanded for further examination and rating consideration.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to provide proper hearing notification. The case will be returned for further action.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his back and left knee conditions have been granted, with the initial rating of 20 percent assigned for each condition.

The Board has determined that there is no jurisdictional appeal pending regarding the July 1997 rating decision, and thus dismisses the claims.

The veteran's service-connected right knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent for traumatic arthritis with limitation of extension, and 20 percent for post-operative anterior cruciate ligament injury. The Board has denied increased ratings for both conditions.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of jungle rot of the feet, a headache disorder, and a left knee disorder. The evidence does not support a finding that any current disabilities are related to service.