Knee decisions — 2007

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including proper VCAA notice and a contemporaneous VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability warrants a 10 percent rating based on limitation of motion, and thus his claim for an increased rating is granted.

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent evaluation for painful motion of the left knee joint with arthritis, in addition to the veteran's existing 20 percent evaluation for moderate instability. The case is now remanded for further action regarding a temporary total rating due to convalescence following surgery.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, considering the impairment from the disorders and his educational and occupational background.

The veteran's appeal for service connection for a stroke was dismissed due to withdrawal. The claim for reopening the knee disability was granted, and he is now entitled to an initial evaluation in excess of 30 percent for PTSD.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current neuropsychiatry condition, right knee condition, low back condition, onychomiscosis, hearing loss, or tinnitus related to service. The veteran's psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are currently rated at 0 percent, while his epidermal cyst is also rated at 0 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound, as he is able to leave his home at any time and does not require assistance with daily activities.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to incomplete records and the need for further examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the right leg do not warrant an increased disability rating as they are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board has granted increased ratings of 30 percent for post-traumatic arthritis of the right knee with limitation of extension and separate 10 percent ratings for right knee instability. The claim for a compensable rating for left knee instability is denied.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection for various disabilities, including bilateral foot disability, left hip, knee, and ankle disabilities, as well as a skin condition, were denied by the RO. The decision did not address the issue of service connection based on exposure to burn pits, Agent Orange, Camp Lejeune, radiation, Gulf War Syndrome, or other presumptive conditions.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's left knee synovitis with arthritis, which is more than the current 10 percent assigned.

The veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disability and arthritis of both knees are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining an updated medical opinion regarding her psychiatric condition and reviewing the service records for potential stressors.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected post-operative residuals of a right knee injury and degenerative arthritis do not warrant ratings in excess of 10 percent.

The Board finds that the veteran's low back disorder and bilateral knee arthroplasties are likely due to his service, warranting service connection.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service medical records and other issues. The claimant's right shoulder and left knee disorders are under review, but a definitive decision cannot be made without further evidence.

The Board found that the veteran's low back disorder and knee disabilities are not service-connected, and denied his claims for increased ratings.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the veteran's claims for service connection, including seeking additional service medical records and conducting VA examinations.

The veteran's service connection claims for bacterial infection with diarrhea, parasitic infection with diarrhea, and typhus infection with diarrhea were denied. The veteran was granted initial compensable ratings for DJD of the cervical spine C5/6 and C6/7 prior to May 20, 2004 (10%), and DJD of the lumbar spine (10%) since May 20, 2004. No other service connection claims were granted.

The Board has granted an effective date of March 18, 1999 for the award of a 30 percent rating for the veteran's left knee disability. The previous effective date was July 30, 1999.