Knee decisions — 2007

The Board found that the veteran's current right foot, knee, and leg disabilities are not related to his active duty for training. The appellant's service medical records do not show a connection between his in-service symptoms and his current conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's breathing problems were not incurred in or aggravated by active service, and denied his claims for increased ratings of left knee condition and PTSD.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not constitute an employment handicap, and therefore he is not entitled to vocational rehabilitation training under Chapter 31 of Title 38, United States Code.

The Board has determined that there is no competent medical evidence linking the veteran's bilateral knee disorder to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's left and right knee patellofemoral syndrome were evaluated at a 10 percent rating each, effective March 20, 2001. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in ratings beyond this level.

The veteran's left knee disability, including osteoarthritis and strain with patellar subluxation, is currently rated at 20 percent. He is also entitled to a separate 10 percent evaluation for arthritis of the left knee.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's gunshot wound to the left knee, as his condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral total knee replacements, finding that the current evaluations of 30 percent are appropriate based on the evidence provided.

The Board has determined that the veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities and arthritis are not related to service, including any exposure to Agent Orange or Camp Lejeune. The claims have been denied.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his left knee arthroscopy is being remanded due to the submission of additional private medical evidence and the need for a VA examination.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee condition, finding that his in-service injury was related to his current condition.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the veteran's left shoulder and right and left knee disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right knee disability and whether separate ratings are warranted. The RO should also consider whether he is entitled to a 100 percent evaluation for convalescence in accordance with 38 C.F.R. § 4.30, for any surgeries after November 1, 2006.

The Board granted service connection for prostate cancer with an effective date of April 17, 2003. The veteran's claim for earlier effective dates was denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left knee osteoarthritis is not related to his military service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, hepatitis C, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), left knee disorder, and low back disorder have all been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, sleep impairment, short-term memory loss, and cervical ribs. The other claims have been denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a higher level of special monthly compensation under provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(m) because his service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria outlined in the provision.

The Board has determined that further development is needed, including a VA examination and obtaining medical records. The veteran's left knee disability needs to be evaluated for current severity.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disability resulted in loss of use of his left lower extremity, and thus grants special monthly compensation for this condition.