Knee decisions — 2006

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development as requested by the appellant and his representative. The RO must ensure all relevant medical records, including MRI results and orthopedic clinic appointment records, are associated with the claims folder before these issues can be adjudicated.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied across the board. The Board found no evidence of a chronic right knee disorder, residuals of cold weather injury to the hands and feet, bilateral leg cramps, or heart palpitations in service. The veteran was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome but not other claimed conditions.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to preclude him from securing and following any form of substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and work experience, warranting a TDIU.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected right knee disability, effective November 4, 2004.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and a review of his medical records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability of the left knee. The VA also denied an extension of a temporary total rating beyond August 1, 1999.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, and therefore denied his claim.

The veteran's claim is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination that complies with previous Board orders. The case will be reviewed again after the examination.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disorder, which was aggravated by a fall during basic military training, is service-connected. The effective date of this decision is not specified as it pertains to an ongoing disability.

The Board found that the veteran's current degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, right hip and knee disorders, and right thigh pain are not related to his military service.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities, finding that the current manifestations of these conditions do not meet the minimum percentage requirements for a TDIU and do not warrant an increased rating.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his synovitis of the right knee, finding that there was no evidence of recurrent subluxation or lateral instability warranting a separate rating under Diagnostic Code 5257. The VA also found no compensable limitation of flexion after June 1, 2003.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disorder, diagnosed as patellofemoral pain with suspected degenerative joint disease, does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The VA determined that the veteran's right knee disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, based on the current evidence showing improvement and no significant instability or additional limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left knee disability is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for left knee arthritis, finding that there is no medical evidence of a nexus between his current condition and active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the left shoulder, knees, and low back disability due to a lack of evidence showing a direct link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability and a disability of the lumbar spine, but granted an initial 10 percent evaluation for pes planus.

The case is being remanded for further development of medical records and to obtain a VA medical opinion regarding the cause of death and DIC benefits.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent for the appellant's service-connected left knee sprain, effective from the date of the decision. The total evaluation based on individual unemployability and separate evaluation for limitation of motion have also been granted.