Knee decisions — 2007

The veteran's bilateral knee disorder was initially rated at 20 percent from June 20, 2002 through April 18, 2004. Separate ratings of 10 percent were assigned for the left and right knees starting July 1, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for left shoulder bursitis and left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from March 27, 2000. The post-operative residuals of the left knee injury are currently rated at 20 percent.

The veteran's right knee disability is not rated higher than 10 percent due to lack of limitation of motion, instability, or x-ray findings.,Service connection for a left knee condition and psychiatric disability - Major Depression are denied.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities do not warrant higher initial ratings based on limitation of motion or instability. The current 10% ratings are appropriate.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The veteran's knee disabilities are being considered in relation to his service-connected gunshot wounds to the buttocks.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disability and ear disorder as there is no competent medical evidence of an in-service event, injury or disease as well as a current diagnosis.

The veteran's service-connected right knee injury and traumatic arthritis are currently rated at 20 percent, effective August 6, 2003.

The Board has denied service connection for right and left knee conditions, finding no evidence of a current disability related to military service. The veteran's left ankle sprain is currently rated at 10%.,Service connection was not granted for the veteran's right and left knee conditions due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active duty.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing right knee condition did not worsen during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher disability rating for his right knee disorder and service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection based on secondary to service-connected conditions.

The veteran's right knee disorder was found to be incurred in active military service, and the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for traumatic arthritis of the left knee and residuals of a left knee injury with laxity of the cruciate ligaments are denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for gout, residuals of myocardial infarction with hypertension and headaches, right knee disability, left knee disability, and pseudofolliculitis barbae. The decision also denied a compensable evaluation for molluscum contagiosum.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and higher ratings for his right knee arthritis, patellofemoral syndrome, and left knee arthritis with patellofemoral syndrome. The RO combined these conditions but did not grant any of the requested increased ratings.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability is not causally related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not warrant special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for hypertension and degenerative arthritis of the knees, legs, and hips as there is no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at Cape Coral Hospital on May 15, 2004 due to lack of emergency condition and availability of VA facilities.