Knee decisions — 2006

The appellant's service-connected disabilities, including below-the-knee amputation of the left lower extremity and other conditions, are being reviewed to determine if they preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantial gainful employment.

The veteran's appeal of the November 1, 2001 rating decision was not timely filed.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are addressed. The left knee is rated at 10 percent for limitation of flexion and 30 percent for limitation of extension.,The right knee is rated at 10 percent for limitation of flexion and 20 percent for limitation of extension.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for postoperative residuals of synovitis of the right knee and osteoarthritis of the right knee were denied as his disability picture did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings on headaches, bilateral tinea pedis, lumbar spine disability, and left knee disability are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a thorough VA examination.

The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for L5 spondylosis and right knee patella femoral syndrome were denied by the Board.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee disability is denied due to failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating from 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the cervical and thoracic spine, hips, knees, and ankles due to a lack of evidence showing limitation of motion.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left knee injury and a low back disorder, finding that there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred during or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left knee disability is service-connected as it was incurred during his period of active duty.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a low back disorder, bilateral knee disorder, or arthritis of the fingers and knees that were incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence is against these claims.

The veteran is appealing the denial of service connection for left knee chondromalacia. The case has been remanded to allow the appellant to have a Videoconference hearing at the Portland, Oregon RO.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his service-connected knee disabilities and entitlement to additional compensation for dependents, finding that the combined disability rating was less than 30% prior to June 4, 2003.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his left knee disability and a temporary total evaluation due to convalescence. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on functional loss or impairment.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities, as well as service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of scars, right knee disability, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the right lower extremity were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence to support an increase in evaluation or service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining his personnel records and SSA disability records. He must also be provided with proper VCAA notice regarding the rating and effective date aspects of his claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for his left knee disability and service connection for a right hip disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee disorders and service connection for low back and hip or pelvic disorders were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his left knee and bilateral pes planus were denied as the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.