Knee decisions — 2007

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his left total knee replacement is being remanded due to the need for a more thorough VA examination and consideration of additional medical records.

The Board has remanded the case due to the veteran's request for a Travel Board hearing, and not a videoconference hearing. The case will be scheduled for a personal hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board denied all service connection claims, finding that the veteran's claimed disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability did not have its onset during active service or result from disease or injury in service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's left shoulder tendonitis is rated at 20 percent disabling since January 28, 2004. The other conditions are either not compensable or have been granted increased ratings.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The conditions at issue include pseudofolliculitis barbae, onychomycosis, multiple joint arthralgias, left knee disorder, right knee disability, and low back degenerative joint disease.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding no evidence of current disabilities or that any present conditions are related to service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right knee disability, including patellofemoral syndrome, due to any event or incident of her period of active service. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, right hip nerve damage, loss of use of legs, weakness of upper extremities, and low back disability. The appeals were based on exposure to Agent Orange, but no such evidence was provided.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied due to his failure to appear for VA examinations without providing good cause.

The veteran's claims for an increased rating for his left knee condition and service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination.

The Board has reopened the claim and granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to the veteran's in-service injury and surgery.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance of another person or being permanently housebound.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, left foot, right leg, and lower back disorders due to a lack of competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The claim for an increased rating for residuals of a left tibia and fibula fracture was also denied.

The Board has granted an initial 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's right knee disorder, but denied a higher evaluation for his left knee arthritis. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for further development.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient evidence regarding his right knee disability and conjunctivitis.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back, right knee, and left knee disabilities were denied. The current evaluations of 20% are deemed appropriate based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations to address service connection for left knee disorder and increased evaluation for lumbar spine disability.

The veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation. The Board denied his claim for an increased evaluation and TDIU.

The Board has determined that the veteran's kidney donation during active duty for training (ADT) may be considered a line of duty injury, and he is granted service connection for residuals of left nephrectomy. The other claims are denied.