Knee decisions — 2006

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's DJD of the right knee, as it is currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied service connection for various disabilities, including left and right hip disabilities, anxiety, insomnia and memory loss, left and right knee disabilities, and gastroileitis. The evidence did not support the veteran's claims as there was no indication of these conditions during or immediately after service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility requirements for a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed disabilities, finding that they were not incurred or aggravated by active duty and did not meet the criteria for an undiagnosed illness. The claims for a bilateral knee disability, left ankle disability, throat ulcer, and respiratory disorder were all denied.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable under VA guidelines, and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for plantar callosities of the left foot, service connection for a bilateral knee condition as secondary to the service-connected plantar callosities of the left foot, and reopening of his claim for low back condition as secondary to the service-connected plantar callosities of the left foot.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or arthritis. The current ratings under DCs 5259 and 5010 are appropriate.

The Board denied service connection for vision impairment, thrombocytosis, lumbar and cervical spine conditions, degenerative joint disease of the right knee and hip, and bilateral numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers.

The Board found that the right above-the-knee amputation was not caused by VA's failure to diagnose or treat a preexisting condition, and thus denied the claim under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for left knee and right knee disabilities, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or secondary service connection. The current rating of 30% for residuals of total left knee arthroplasty was maintained.

The case is being remanded due to the appellant's request for a Travel Board hearing. The veteran should be scheduled for such a hearing at the earliest opportunity.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the knees and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, as well as an increased rating for residuals of a fracture of the sternum. The veteran's disabilities are not considered to be related to his military service.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 12, 2004 for service connection of depression has been granted. The effective date is set at the date of receipt of his claim on January 12, 2004.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate the merits of the claim.

The veteran's initial claims for higher ratings for his right knee disabilities were denied. The RO assigned a 20 percent rating from April 1, 2000 to March 11, 2003 and a 30 percent rating effective May 1, 2004.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and granted service connection for polymyositis. The claim for an increased evaluation of torn cartilage, right knee, remains denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and low back disability, finding that there is no current evidence of these conditions or a link to service or a service-connected condition.

The veteran's bilateral pes cavus with hammertoes and calluses have been granted service connection, effective from November 16, 2005. The right and left knee disorders are not service connected as secondary to his service-connected bilateral hammertoes.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations and clarification of the appellant's hearing preferences.