Knee decisions — 2006

The veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than July 15, 2003 for the award of service connection for left elbow strain with decreased grip strength was granted. The claims for increased ratings for post-operative residuals of left knee chondromalacia were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for right ear hearing loss and left knee degenerative joint disease are not supported by the evidence of record, resulting in a denial of both claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any knee, ankle, or foot disorders.

The Board finds that the veteran's low back degenerative joint disease is due to an injury sustained in service, and his bilateral knee disorder does not have a direct link to service.

The veteran's claims of increased evaluation for left knee sprain and service connection for cardiovascular disease are being remanded to the RO for a travel board hearing.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in any of his service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the appellant's pre-existing right knee disorder did not worsen during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no current disabilities for the low back, right knee, and left knee conditions. The veteran's service medical records did not show any chronic or significant injuries that would support a finding of service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic right knee disability or hypertension attributable to the veteran's active service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for chondromalacia of both knees, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's service-connected right shoulder arthritis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. The left shoulder arthritis is rated at 10 percent due to painful motion requiring subacromial injections. The right knee arthritis has no limitation of motion and thus receives no compensation under DC 5010. The left knee, status post medial meniscus arthroscopy, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to his incarceration and inability to attend scheduled VA compensation examinations.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic left knee disability during service or within the one-year presumptive period, and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the spine, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, and degenerative joint disease of the right knee. The claim to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for left foot drop was also denied.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and medical opinions to determine the validity of his claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder and low back disorder, finding no evidence of in-service injury or aggravation. The claim for an increased rating for psoriasis is also denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disorder, finding no evidence of any compensable disability.

The Board has found that the veteran's DVT of the right leg and residuals of a right knee injury were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may arthritis of the right knee be presumed to have been incurred therein. The preponderance of evidence is against the claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability and entitlement to TDIU due to further evidentiary development being required.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied, as well as his claim for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant. The RO also denied the veteran's post-operative ganglion scar of the right wrist.