Knee decisions — 2007

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain and left knee tendonitis are currently rated at their maximum levels, with no evidence of intervertebral disc syndrome or instability. The Board finds that the current ratings adequately reflect the severity of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for multiple joint pain and a respiratory condition as secondary to the veteran's service-connected lymphocytic lymphoma. The other claims of service connection were denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development due to inadequate evidence and a need for a VA examination.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a bilateral knee condition and a lower back strain, finding that there is no evidence of chronic symptoms after service or a link to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for vertigo/dizziness, bilateral knee disability, and a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss were all denied. The Board found no evidence of these conditions in service or related to service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations of his left knee disability and service connection for right knee, gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD), degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and carpal tunnel syndrome of the right wrist. The decision also found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen claims for hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back condition, knee condition, and hypertension due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted a 40 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected lateral meniscus tear of the right knee, finding that it meets the criteria for such an evaluation based on limitation of motion.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee strain and coronary artery disease, status post myocardial infarction. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for either condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to inadequate VCAA notice and the need to obtain additional medical records. The case will be readjudicated after these actions.

The veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board finds that the veteran's left hip disability is related to an injury sustained during service, and grants service connection for this condition.,There is no evidence of a current left lower extremity disability other than the left hip disability. The Board therefore denies service connection for any left lower extremity disability.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a left knee disorder and denied it on the merits.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left knee disability, and right knee disability. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or aggravation that would warrant service connection.

The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of residuals of a left knee injury was denied as he did not file his original claim within one year after discharge from the service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis. The decision also denied the claim for left knee degenerative arthritis as there is no evidence of a current disability that was incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities were evaluated, but the RO denied increased ratings for both knees. The RO found that the current disability levels did not warrant higher ratings based on the symptoms described.