Knee decisions — 2007

The VA denied initial compensable evaluations for patellofemoral syndrome with malalignment of both the left and right knees, finding no evidence of subluxation or instability that would warrant a rating under Diagnostic Code 5257. The medical evidence did not demonstrate functional impairment sufficient to warrant a separate evaluation based on limitation of motion.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss, bilateral knee disability, and anxiety. The claim of service connection for right ear hearing loss is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's right and left knee disorders were not incurred or aggravated during active service, as they were congenital conditions. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions do not warrant an increased rating.

The veteran's service connection claims for a lumbar spine disability, an ankle disability, a knee disability, residuals of Douft node removal, and a latex allergy have all been denied. The examiner found no current disabilities related to these conditions.

The Board found that the appellant's discharge was for more than a minor offense and not eligible for VA compensation benefits due to dishonorable conditions.

The veteran's case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling a VA examination to clarify the etiology of his service-connected disabilities and determine if he is unemployable due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left knee disorder is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an effective date prior to November 4, 2003 and a rating in excess of 30 percent for his post-TKR right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current back, knee, hip, and elbow disabilities are related to his active military service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The veteran's request for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred on December 13, 2005 at St. Luke's Hospital is denied as the treatment was not rendered in an emergency situation and VA facilities were feasibly available.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the service-connected left knee disability, effective from June 1, 2004.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right knee disability. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the bilateral knees and lumbar disc disease, finding that these conditions are not proximately due to or a result of the veteran's service-connected pes planus or right ankle sprain.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back and right knee disabilities as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability, and also denied a higher rating for his left knee post-traumatic arthritis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased initial disability ratings for his service-connected right shoulder peritendinitis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board found no evidence of a current left knee disorder and denied service connection for this condition.,There was insufficient credible supporting evidence to verify the veteran's claimed stressor event, leading to denial of service connection for PTSD.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating for the service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee from 30% to 10% was void ab initio due to insufficient evidence supporting the reduction.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated medical records and a new examination to assess his current knee disabilities.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current low back and bilateral knee disabilities to his military service, including parachute jumps. The claims for service connection are denied.