Knee decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee arthritis, a left index finger condition (ankylosis), and postoperative hemorrhoids. The evidence did not support higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for further examination.

The veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent. Service connection for bilateral wrist weakness, head pain, chest pain, foot pain, leg pain, knee pain, and neck pain are all denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for residuals of a left knee injury and granted it. The veteran's left heel spur is also found to be incurred in active military service, warranting a 10 percent rating for sinusitis.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disorder, including his ACL deficiency, is related to service and secondary to bilateral pes planus.

The veteran's left knee disability, characterized by arthritis and instability, is currently rated at 50 percent combined. The appeal seeks a higher rating.

The Board has denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected right knee disability and scars of the right upper arm, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has granted a rating of 30 percent for chondromalacia of the left knee from July 26, 2005, based on instability. A separate 10 percent rating is also assigned for limitation of motion.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hemorrhoids and a left knee disorder. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for hearing loss was withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a VA examination and medical opinion regarding the etiology of the veteran's right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hearing loss, tinnitus, and right knee disability are not related to service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The veteran's service-connected lateral meniscus tear of the right knee is currently rated at 10 percent, but his claim for an increased rating has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current level of disability.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following some form of substantially gainful employment.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee disability during service and insufficient medical evidence to link any current condition to service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied service connection for chronic bronchitis and bilateral knee disability, finding no current disabilities that are related to service.

The Board has determined that a medical examination is necessary in the case of TDIU. The veteran's claim for TDIU will be remanded to allow for further development and consideration.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and denied his claim. The issue of PTSD is being remanded for further development.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility requirements for a certificate of eligibility for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's current right knee disorder, right hip disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the left upper extremity to service. As such, these claims are denied.