Knee decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for any of the conditions listed, as there is no competent evidence linking them to military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for metal fuel fever residuals, right ear hearing loss, hemorrhoids, arthritis of the hands, arms, shoulders, knees, and ankles have been denied. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to arrange for an examination.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a heart disability and right knee degenerative joint disease with residuals of a torn meniscus, finding no current disabilities and insufficient evidence to link these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's death by suicide was not caused by his service-connected disabilities, and therefore, service connection for the cause of the veteran's death is denied. Additionally, the criteria for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 1318 have not been met.

The veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the right ankle and left knee were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The RO denied all claims for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and chondromalacia of the left knee, as well as his request to reopen a claim for right knee disorder. The decision also denied an increased evaluation for DM.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected left knee disorder, effective January 20, 2006. The decision also noted that there is separate chondromalacia patella of the left knee which warrants a compensable evaluation.

The veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the lumbar spine was reopened and granted. He is also awarded a rating of 40 percent for his residuals, status post herniated nucleus pulposus, L5-S1, effective as of June 5, 2001. The other claims were denied.

The Board found that the veteran's current left knee disability is unrelated to his military service or a service-connected disability, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disorder, which required a replacement surgery, was not incurred in or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disorder. The Board also determined that he did not have chronic urethritis during service and that it is unrelated to any period of active duty.

The Board has granted a rating of 20 percent for the veteran's right knee disability, which is limited to limitation of extension.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for sinus disability with headaches, respiratory disability, and left knee disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to active military service.

The veteran's claim is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing proper notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbo-sacroiliac degenerative arthritis and right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.

The veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected left knee disability, which is currently rated at 20 percent. The case has been remanded due to discrepancies in the examination reports and a need for further assessment of the severity of the veteran's knee condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left hip and low back disabilities are proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability, granting these claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to report for a scheduled hearing. The case will be rescheduled at the St. Petersburg, Florida RO.