Knee decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a left knee disability or hypertension that is service-connected. The mitral valve prolapse condition, while currently diagnosed, does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for patellofemoral syndrome with instability of the right knee is denied. The current 20 percent rating adequately reflects the severity and symptoms associated with this condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection for low back, right knee, right ankle, and left ankle disorders have been remanded due to the need for proper notification under 38 U.S.C.A. § 5103(a).

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right knee disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. For her left knee chondromalacia of the patellae and residuals of a right pelvis fracture, the evidence shows no more than slight instability or limitation in motion, which do not warrant higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected internal derangement of the left knee with degenerative joint disease, finding that separate ratings are not warranted due to overlapping symptomatology.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability evaluation for pension purposes is being remanded due to the need for additional medical evaluations and consideration of all relevant evidence.

The veteran's claim for TDIU was denied in July 1992 due to lack of evidence showing an increase in disability during the one year period preceding March 22, 2003. The RO found that no new and material evidence had been submitted.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for the claimed conditions, including bilateral hearing loss, bronchial asthma, degenerative joint disease of the right and left knees, headaches, and a low back disorder.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to lose the use of his legs such that he requires a wheelchair for locomotion, meeting the criteria for specially adapted housing.

The Board has ordered the case to be remanded for compliance with VA's duty to notify and assist, including providing notice of the type of evidence necessary to establish a disability rating and an effective date if service connection is granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bilateral knee disorder, low back disorder, joint disorder of the arms and legs, chronic throat disorder, and chronic ear infections. The evidence did not support a current disability in any of these areas.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder and an initial rating of 20 percent for sacroiliac syndrome, both effective September 1, 2001.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee and hip disabilities are not related to service or secondary to a service-connected right foot disability, thus denying both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral knee disabilities do not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable rating based on limitation of motion. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities for which service connection can be granted, as there is no evidence of any current conditions related to his military service.

The veteran is granted a temporary 100 percent rating until June 2, 2004 for convalescence and implantation of a prosthesis for his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied all service connection claims, finding that none of the claimed conditions were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's service-connected post-operative, internal derangement of the right knee and degenerative arthritis are rated at 30 percent. He is also granted separate ratings for limitation of motion on extension and flexion due to his degenerative arthritis.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing SSA records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current lumbar spine condition is related to an in-service accident, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.