Knee decisions — 2007

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee degenerative joint disease, finding that he does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation based on limitation of motion.

The veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or being housebound is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his physical condition.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative changes of the left knee as secondary to a service-connected right knee disability, but denied service connection for a right hip disability on the merits.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability was denied as the evidence did not support a higher evaluation, and he failed to report for a VA examination intended to provide information about the current severity of his service-connected condition.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee, effective from September 14, 2001.

The Board has determined that the effective date for a 30 percent evaluation for service-connected residuals of fracture, left tibia and fibula is March 19, 2003. The claim for an increased rating remains pending as the veteran's disability continues to warrant such a higher evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and disabilities of the wrists, knees, and ankles. The claim for hearing loss was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence. For the wrist, knee, and ankle conditions, there is no competent medical evidence showing that these conditions are related to service or any incident therein.

The veteran's initial evaluations for chondromalacia patella of the left knee and hypertension were granted, but he is not entitled to higher initial evaluations.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hypertension and knee disabilities are being remanded due to deficiencies in the VCAA notice provided.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded to obtain outstanding VA and SSA records, as well as to provide proper VCAA notice.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, finding no current disability or evidence of a nexus between his in-service incidents and present conditions.

The Board has granted a combined rating of 30 percent for the veteran's right knee disability prior to his total knee replacement (TKR), effective from the date of service connection. The TKR and post-TKR status are being remanded for further adjudication.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, arthritis of the left and right knees, and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome as there is no evidence that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Board found no evidence linking the appellant's current right knee and back disorders to service, including any in-service injury. The preponderance of the evidence is against both claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's requests to reopen his claims for service connection for right ankle and right knee disorders due to lack of new and material evidence. The claim for a right ankle disorder was not reopened, while the claim for a right knee disorder is considered reopened.

The case is being remanded for further development and compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as a right and left shoulder disability. The Board also found that there is no current diagnosis of hypertension.,Service connection was not granted because the veteran did not provide medical evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The veteran's left knee patellofemoral stress syndrome including chondromalacia is currently rated at 20%.,The veteran's arthritis of the left knee is currently rated at 20%.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the minimum schedular criteria for a TDIU, and he is granted entitlement to a total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.