Knee decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected left knee reconstruction and right knee strain with degenerative joint disease, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right knee disorder and service connection for a left knee disorder as secondary to his right knee disorder. The evidence indicates that the two knee disorders are unrelated.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for migraine headaches and patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee were denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

Throughout the rating period on appeal, the veteran's degenerative joint disease of both knees has been productive of complaints of pain and limited range of motion. However, the evidence does not support a higher evaluation as flexion was no worse than 90 degrees in each knee and extension was full.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee and lumbosacral spine disabilities do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of instability or ankylosis. The veteran's symptoms are adequately addressed by the current 10 percent ratings.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and records.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability, characterized by chronic traumatic arthritis with instability and giving way symptoms, warrants a 30 percent evaluation from May 13, 2003.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board remands the case to secure an opinion on the etiology of the veteran's current right knee disorder.

The Board denied service connection for left knee disability and PTSD, as there was no credible evidence to corroborate the occurrence of any in-service stressor.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disorder and hypertension as there was no evidence of an in-service injury or disease, and the current conditions were not linked to service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, a left knee disability, and degenerative lumbar scoliosis as there was no evidence of a chronic condition during service or an applicable presumptive period.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disorder and right knee disorder as there was no evidence of chronic disability in-service or within the applicable presumptive period, and no competent evidence linking the current conditions to active service.

The appeal for an initial increased rating for status post medial meniscus tear and anterior cruciate ligament injury of the right knee was withdrawn, and a 10 percent disability evaluation is maintained for lumbosacral strain with herniated nucleus pulposus.

The veteran's right knee disability is primarily manifested by pain and flexion limited to 80 degrees with pain after repetitive use. An increased rating in excess of 20 percent was not warranted.

The veteran's lumbosacral strain was rated at 20 percent, and his left knee disability (including arthritis) remained at 30 percent.

The veteran's claim for new and material evidence to reopen the claim of service connection for dental injury due to trauma during service was denied, as well as his claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, degenerative spondylosis of the spine, PTSD, cold injuries to both lower extremities, and esophageal motility disorder.

The Board denied service connection for right and left knee disorders as there was no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within one year after separation, and no competent medical evidence linking the current conditions to service.

The veteran withdrew his appeals for increased ratings and service connection, thus the Board has no jurisdiction in these matters.

The Board remands the service connection claims for further medical evidence to determine if the claimed conditions are caused or aggravated by the veteran's service-connected bilateral ankle disability.