Knee decisions — 2006

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. The right shoulder dislocation residuals were rated at 20 percent from March 14, 2005, and the left knee DJD was rated at 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from intracerebral hemorrhage.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for COPD, left knee degenerative changes, and right knee degenerative changes. The TDIU claim was also denied. Effective date claims were not addressed as they are not part of the current appeal.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral peripheral neuropathy, below the knee amputation (left), and amputated toes on the right foot are related to exposure to extreme cold during service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee, right knee, and low back conditions have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current functional impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, degenerative joint disease of the left leg (claimed as secondary to intervertebral disc syndrome), a left ankle disability, and a right ankle disability. The gastrointestinal disability claim was also denied. Service connection is presumed for arthritis or degenerative joint disease within one year after separation from service.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the left knee, status post meniscectomy with removal of loose body times two. The claim for an increased evaluation for laxity of the left knee is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the right knee is also denied.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current diagnosis or in-service occurrence of a bilateral knee disorder or heart disorder. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's bilateral knee disability and generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks and depressive features have been granted service connection. The veteran is currently rated at a 10 percent for his generalized anxiety disorder.

The Board denied service connection for chondromalacia patella of the left knee and both knees, finding no evidence linking current disability to service.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to provide an opinion on the claims for service connection for residuals of a right knee injury, a back condition, and a lung condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, hearing loss, and tinnitus are being remanded due to the need to verify her periods of military service and obtain medical examinations.

The veteran is seeking service connection for left knee and hip disorders, as well as PTSD. The case must be remanded to obtain verification of the alleged in-service stressors related to PTSD.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder as secondary to his service-connected arthritis and pes planus of the left foot, finding no current disability linked etiologically to his period of service or any service-connected disability.

The Board found no evidence of a left knee disability in service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral pes planus did not increase in severity during service and denied his claim for service connection. The knee disability was also denied as secondary to pes planus, and the low back disorder was denied as not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings are denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis, moderate limitation of motion, or moderate intervertebral disc syndrome warranting a higher rating under either the pre-amended or amended regulations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher disability ratings for her service-connected knee and foot conditions, as well as scoliosis. The decisions were based on the current evidence of record.

The Board denied service connection for left knee, left hip, and cervical spine disabilities as there was no evidence of a chronic disorder in service or that any current disability is etiologically related to service.