Knee decisions — 2006

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were granted, with a 10 percent evaluation assigned for each of his service-connected conditions. The mood disorder specified as depression received the highest rating (30%) due to its impact on occupational and social functioning.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee condition. However, after reviewing all available evidence, including VA and private medical records, the Board finds that the current left knee condition is less likely than not related to the veteran's military service.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability related to his in-service parachute accident, and the VA examinations did not support any current knee or lumbar spine disorders.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected left knee disability, including arthritis and subluxation.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and need for clarification of recent medical evidence.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the appellant's left knee arthroscopy disability, currently rated at 10 percent. The VA found that the veteran's current range of motion and symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has found that the veteran's current right knee disorder is etiologically related to service, granting service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and providing proper VCAA notice.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability is service-connected, with no specific rating assigned.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for residuals of a left knee injury and chondromalacia patella of the left knee, finding that there was no evidence of more than slight recurrent subluxation or lateral instability.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a low back injury and bilateral knee disorder. The Board found that the veteran's scoliosis of the spine, right thigh condition, and short leg condition are not related to his military service.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death during the pendency of the appeal.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating or service connection based on the current medical findings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected left knee synovitis and lumbosacral strain, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating schedules.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right knee disability or tropical fungus of the right hand and both feet as a result of service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to his request for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for reopening his right knee disability and hepatitis C service connection due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities do not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as there is no evidence of limitation of flexion or extension to 15 degrees.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 10% for degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the right knee, but denied service connection for a left knee disability and established compensable ratings for bilateral hearing loss prior to April 5, 2005, and since that date.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a temporary total rating based on convalescence following his right knee surgery in December 1995, and also denied his request for an earlier effective date for the 20% rating for his service-connected right patellofemoral syndrome. The issues are related to whether he required at least one month of convalescence post-surgery or if there were severe postoperative residuals.