Knee decisions — 2007

The VA denied compensation for residuals of a stent graft repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm due to the veteran's right groin numbness, which was attributed to obesity and peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability, right knee disability, left knee disability, low back disability, and hip disability. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, left ankle, and right ankle disabilities. The Board also found that there is no current diagnosis of lumbar spine or sinusitis disability.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's right knee disability, effective from June 2000. The evaluation is based on moderate degenerative joint disease with additional limitation of motion due to repetitive use and pain.

The veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for skin disease has been granted. His claim for an increased rating for the service-connected arthritis of the left knee has also been granted, with a new rating of 20 percent assigned.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disorder and a bilateral knee disorder, finding that there is not sufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain updated medical records, provide corrective VCAA notice, and schedule the veteran for an orthopedic examination. The case will be returned to the Board after these actions are completed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee disability. The right knee disability, however, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not related to a service-connected condition.

The Board granted the veteran increased ratings for his lumbosacral strain, migraine headaches, left knee instability, right knee DJD, and cervical spine disorder.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals, left knee injury. The case is remanded to gather additional development and evidence.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus, type II, is not service connected. The Board dismissed the appeal for this condition as the veteran requested withdrawal of his claim. Secondary service connection was granted for sleep disorder. Service connection was denied for left knee disability, right hand disability, breathing problems, and skin rash.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been received to reopen the claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and clarifying whether the veteran desires a hearing.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease, status post total left knee replacement, is characterized by mild laxity of the medial collateral ligament, limitation of flexion to 120 degrees, and a well-healed scar on the anterior portion of the left knee. The disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's service-connected arthritis of the right knee and right metatarsalgia have been granted initial compensable ratings of 10 percent each, effective June 24, 2002.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right knee disability was denied. The issue of reopening a previously denied claim for service connection for degeneration, medial meniscus, left knee as secondary to the right knee condition is also denied. His claims for PTSD and TDIU are remanded.

The Board has determined that the evidence submitted since the August 1987 denial is either cumulative or redundant and does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim for service connection for right knee disability.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension on account of being housebound or needing the aid and attendance of another person was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The veteran's service-connected tinnitus is currently rated at the maximum allowable rating of 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 6260, and no higher initial ratings are warranted.

The veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for PTSD, as well as increased evaluations for his bilateral knee disabilities. The RO is instructed to attempt verification of the veteran's claimed stressors and arrange for a VA examination to determine the current nature and severity of his service-connected knee disabilities and the likely etiology of his claimed psychiatric disorder.