Knee decisions — 2006

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's right knee condition based on the current medical evidence showing only slight limitation of flexion, no instability, and normal X-rays.

The appeal was remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing before a local hearing officer.

The Board remands the case to obtain additional evidence, including service medical records and private treatment records.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the left knee and a 20 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the left ankle, residuals of a simple fracture of the shaft of the left fibula.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, including degenerative joint disease, as there was no evidence that her preexisting condition worsened during service or that the current condition is related to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, low back disability, and heart disorder (secondary to PTSD), as well as an increased rating for his post-traumatic stress disorder.

The veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, heart palpitations with left-sided chest pain, lumbosacral strain, sinusitis, left ear hearing loss, left fifth finger, tendonitis of the right knee, and migraine headaches.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities of the left knee, left ankle, or low back. As such, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied service connection for a right hand disorder and found that the veteran does not currently have residuals of a right hand injury. The initial disability rating for the right knee degenerative changes with limitation of motion was set at 10 percent, which is the minimum rating allowed.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder is being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further examination. The RO will attempt to obtain his military records, including those from the National Guard and Army Hospital at Fort Carson.

The Board denied a disability evaluation higher than 10 percent for the veteran's service-connected residuals of right and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, as recent VA examinations did not show objective findings of recurrent subluxation or lateral instability.