Knee decisions — 2006

The RO granted service connection for right knee patellofemoral syndrome and assigned a 10 percent rating effective November 1, 2002.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a chronic low back disability. The case is being remanded to obtain additional VA examinations and opinions regarding the nature and etiology of the veteran's current skin condition, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and knee problems, as well as to determine if these conditions are related to his exposure to Agent Orange during service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected subluxation of both knees does not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent, thus denying his claims for increased ratings.

The veteran has withdrawn his appeal, requesting that all issues on appeal be dismissed.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for a right knee disability, but denied it on the merits as there is no evidence that the current condition began during active service or was caused by his service-connected gunshot wound to the right thigh.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination of the veteran's right knee and hip disorders.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for proper notice and a current VA examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection for an above the knee amputation of the left leg, including as due to Agent Orange exposure, is being remanded for further action.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various knee and hip disabilities as secondary to his service-connected right ankle trauma are being remanded due to incomplete VCAA notice, inadequate medical evidence of record, and the need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for a chronic left knee disorder and trauma resulting in loss of teeth should be remanded to allow for additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and earlier effective dates for his left knee disability, finding that a rating in excess of 10 percent was not warranted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates for his service-connected lumbosacral strain, cervical strain, right knee strain with patella bursitis, left knee strain with patella bursitis, and pseudofolliculitis barbae.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability, postoperative residuals including arthritis, warrants a 20 percent rating. The initial compensable rating for surgical scars on the left knee is denied.

The veteran is seeking increased disability ratings for her service-connected bilateral knee conditions, which are currently rated at 30 percent each. The case is being remanded to the RO for proper VCAA notice and further development.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee chondromalacia does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent, as he demonstrated full range of motion and no instability or other disabling conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his knee disorders, including obtaining recent treatment records and possibly a new examination.

The Board denied service connection for foot fungus and osteoarthritis of the knees, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to service or spinal meningitis.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on current disability levels.

The Board has determined that no new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the RO's 1964 decision that self-inflicted injuries of April 23, 1963 were not incurred in the line of duty.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.