Knee decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-operative left knee anterior cruciate ligament tear is due to an in-service injury and grants service connection for this condition. The issue of service connection for a low back disorder remains pending.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 60 percent for the veteran's service-connected left knee disability, effective May 3, 1999.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and provide VCAA notice, including on disability ratings and effective dates.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected left knee degenerative joint disease and residuals of a gunshot wound, with history of synovitis is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for her service-connected left and right knee disabilities, as well as her residuals of a right great toe bunionectomy and fibrocystic disease of the left breast. The existing 10 percent ratings were upheld.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee degenerative joint disease and instability, finding that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on current clinical findings or symptomatology.

The veteran's left knee disability, characterized by chronic meniscectomy residuals with atrophy, sensory changes, and osteoarthritis, was found to be no more than severe in nature. The veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the cause of death was not service-connected and denied DIC and DEA benefits. The veteran died from a myocardial infarction, but his service records are unavailable.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right hip arthritis, right knee arthritis, and left knee arthritis with meniscal tear due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for arthritis of the right knee and instability of the right knee, as well as arthritis of the left knee. The disabilities are currently rated based on limitation of motion.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left wrist disorder, left knee disorder, and anxiety disorder. The decision is based on the lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or nexus to current conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability, manifested by ligament laxity and early degenerative changes, is service-connected. The hearing loss claim was not substantiated as there is no current evidence of a hearing loss disability.

The veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of medical expenses incurred on September 8, 2004 at a non-VA hospital is granted due to the emergency nature of his treatment and his VA health-care participation.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the right and left knees, as well as instability of both knees, were denied. The RO found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations under applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board denied service connection for multiple joint arthritis and prostate disability, finding no evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities. The right hip bursitis claim was also denied.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, and whether VA Secretary was obligated to make payment to a vehicle seller under 38 U.S.C.A. § 3902(a).

The Board has ordered a remand for the veteran to be provided with an examination and etiological opinions regarding his claimed left foot injury, right foot disorder, and right knee disorder. The claims will be readjudicated after this additional development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his left knee injury and a retroactive effective date for a separate disability rating for anterior joint laxity, finding that the evidence did not support ratings higher than 30 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic rash on the skin of the hands, arms, and knees, as well as bursitis of the right hip and left hip. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to active military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left knee and left ankle disabilities, as well as his request for an increased rating for right knee replacement. The appeals were not granted.