Knee decisions — 2006

The veteran's service-connected postoperative residuals, meniscectomy and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, right knee are manifested by findings of slight ACL instability in 2002 or episodes of pain in the medial area and proximal tibial area. The Board found that these symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The veteran's bilateral knee and low back disorders were not found to be related to service or a service-connected disability. The RO denied the claims for increased ratings for left ankle sprain with early degenerative joint disease and peroneal tendonitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ankle disorders, as well as his claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the left knee. The evidence does not support a finding of current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee injury is not due to or aggravated by active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for evaluations in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected arthritis and instability of the left knee, finding that the current disability picture did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board granted a 10 percent evaluation for postoperative chondromalacia of the left knee and noted that dermatitis was rated at 10 percent. The veteran's PTSD and undiagnosed illnesses claims are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the left ankle and assigned a 20 percent disability rating, effective from March 2001. The veteran's left ankle disability is characterized by limited range of motion with mild crepitus and pain on movement.

The appellant has withdrawn their appeal, and the case is dismissed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder secondary to his right thigh fragment wound and for an increased rating for DJD of the right knee with crepitus and limitation of flexion. The RO had previously granted service connection for DJD of the right knee, but did not grant any additional compensation based on the veteran's claimed low back disability.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disorder is not related to her service and denied her claim for service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to incomplete medical records and will provide a new VA examination for the left knee disability. The veteran's claim for service connection remains pending.

The Board has determined that the effective dates for reductions in ratings for patellofemoral syndrome of the left and right knees, as well as wrist strains on both sides, should be set to February 1, 2004.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disorder and bilateral shoulder disorders were not incurred or aggravated during service, nor are they proximately due to a service-connected disability. The evidence does not support a finding of chronicity.

The veteran seeks compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for additional left ankle and right knee disabilities allegedly caused by VA treatment in January and December 1999, respectively. The case is being remanded to obtain clarifying medical opinions regarding the nature of these conditions and whether they are related to the alleged VA care.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and right leg shin splints, as well as initial increased evaluations for his right knee patellofemoral syndrome. The decision also dismissed his claims for left leg shin splints.

The Board found no evidence of service connection for the claimed conditions and denied the veteran's claims.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine if the veteran's current osteoarthritis and instability are related to his service-connected left knee disability. The case will be remanded for additional examination and consideration of whether separate ratings should be assigned.

The veteran's left knee disability has not been manifested by ligamentous laxity or instability, and his pain due to arthritis is tantamount to limitation of motion no worse than 5 degrees of extension and 110 degrees of flexion. The criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent have not been met.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a head injury and headaches, as well as his bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees, were not incurred in or aggravated by his active duty service.