Knee decisions — 2006

The preponderance of the evidence is against finding that the veteran's bilateral hip, low back, knee, ankle, and left foot disorders were present in service or related to service. The claim for secondary service connection was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right knee disability, finding that a 20 percent rating was warranted based on moderate instability and arthritis with painful motion. The appeal regarding recoupment of severance pay from compensation benefits was also denied as the veteran did not timely file a substantive appeal in this matter.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for arthritis of the right knee, resulting in a denial.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected arthritis of the left knee and lumbosacral strain do not warrant an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right and left knee disorders are related to service, with aggravation due to his service-connected pes planus. Service connection is granted for both conditions.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of the claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee and left shoulder disabilities are service-connected, but his right foot/ankle disability is not.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development of her claims, including obtaining medical records and arranging for an orthopedic examination. The case will be returned to the Board after this process.

The veteran's service-connected left knee instability and arthritis have not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent since the effective date of service connection.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability. However, the claim is denied as there is no medical evidence indicating the veteran's current left knee disability was caused by his active duty service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not impair his ability to prepare for, obtain, or retain employment consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, he does not have an employment handicap.

The Board finds that the veteran does not have a right knee disability associated with his active military duty and therefore, denies the claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee conditions, finding that her current knee conditions are not related to in-service shin splints or right knee patellofemoral syndrome.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 20 percent for the left knee post-operative arthroscopy with cartilage removal and a 30 percent rating for the total right knee arthroplasty. The initial rating for the right knee injury remains at 10 percent, effective from May 6, 2002.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran's left knee disability is related to his service-connected right knee disability.

The veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been evaluated, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to the need for a VA examination and compliance with notification requirements.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities, combined at a 70% rating, render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's service-connected ankle and knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support ratings higher than 10 percent.