Knee decisions — 2007

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the service-connected right knee disability caused or aggravated the left knee disability. The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is also before the Board.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his service-connected diabetes mellitus and service connection for residuals of status post open arthrotomy of the left knee with calf abscess.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for right knee instability and DJD have been denied as there is no evidence of additional disability warranting a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a middle and low back disorder, right wrist disorder, bilateral shin splints, and right knee disorder. The appeals were based on her contention that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee and ankle disabilities during the period from April 10, 1981 to August 4, 1992.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions, finding that they were not related to his in-service cold exposure.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disorder, thus denying the application.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection have been denied due to lack of new and material evidence. The veteran was not granted any benefits as a result.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, a low back disability, and an increased rating for his right knee disability were denied by the RO.

The veteran's claim for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant was denied as he does not meet the criteria for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee arthritis and chondromalacia, finding that the veteran's current condition is related to his military service. Service connection for otitis media was denied as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully adjudicate the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a right knee injury, including obtaining medical records and ensuring proper notice.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disability and residuals of a low back injury due to insufficient evidence regarding the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disorder and a right knee disorder, but denied service connection for a right ankle disorder as there is no current diagnosis of such.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the local VA office. The case will be returned to the Board once this is done.

The veteran's PTSD and left knee disorder were evaluated, but the claims for higher ratings were denied as they did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's schedular guidelines.

The veteran's right knee condition is rated at 10 percent, and he has a separate 10 percent rating for instability. The low back disability was not incurred in service.

The Board denied an increased rating for arthritis of the left knee with limitation of motion, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to limited range of motion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected chondromalacia patella and degenerative arthritis of both knees, finding that the evidence did not support evaluations in excess of 20 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for facial scarring, lung disability, and residuals of a fracture of the 4th metatarsal of the right hand. The claim for bilateral foot calluses was also denied. The veteran's right knee condition is rated at 10 percent.