Knee decisions — 2006

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected posterior right knee wound with retained foreign body and residuals of a right knee arthroscopy, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities are being remanded to the RO for additional examination, notification of evidence needed, and readjudication.

The veteran's service-connected right knee disability does not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to its severity and his age.

The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 10 percent for either knee chondromalacia, as there was no objective indication of significant additional functional loss during flare-ups or with repeated use.

The Board has granted service connection for depressive disorder and bilateral knee disabilities, but did not specify effective dates or rating assignments. The veteran's claims for higher initial ratings are pending.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings for his low back and left knee disabilities have been denied. The RO has awarded the highest schedular ratings possible, but the veteran is seeking even higher ratings.

The Board finds that the currently demonstrated left knee degenerative changes are shown as likely as not to be due to the service-connected right knee chondromalacia with the residuals of the excision of a semilunar cartilage, and grants secondary service connection for the left knee disorder.

The veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 40 percent, and his right knee and left knee disabilities are each rated at 30 percent. The issue of instability of the left knee remains unresolved.

The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and a left knee disorder, finding no evidence of such conditions in service or to a compensable degree within the first post-service year.

The veteran's service connection claims for a gastrointestinal disorder, a sleeping disorder, and a bilateral knee condition were denied as there is no competent medical evidence of actual chronic impairment relating to these conditions. The veteran's pes planus and right ankle fracture residuals are also addressed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and evaluations in excess of 10 percent for various conditions, including left and right knee pain, flat feet, ankle disability, depression, and hip pain. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and further examination is required.

The veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, and the Board dismissed it.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee as secondary to a service-connected right knee instability and denied his claim for an increased rating for unstable right knee joint. The evidence did not support a finding that DJD was related to service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee and back disorders are not related to service or a service-connected disability, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no current diagnosis of a right knee disability and thus the veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disorder is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to a request for a video conference hearing and additional notification requirements.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for uterine bleeding and service connection for various disabilities, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims under current VA regulations.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and information regarding his claims, particularly those involving service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current left knee disability and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied. The low back issue was also addressed but no rating or effective date was assigned as it pertains to an ongoing appeal.