Knee decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's applications to reopen claims for service connection for a lung disorder and a heart condition; denied claims for service connection for flat feet, a left ankle disability, and dermatitis; and denied claims for increased ratings for bilateral tinnitus, bilateral hearing loss, and PTSD.

The veteran was granted initial ratings of 20 percent for limited flexion and 10 percent for limited extension in the right knee, and similar ratings were granted for the left knee.

The Board denied increased initial ratings for the veteran's knee and hip disabilities, as well as a compensable rating for bilateral thigh tendonitis.

The appeal for service connection for a back disorder was denied as there is no evidence of a relationship between the veteran's current back disorder and his military service.

The Board remanded the two issues remaining on appeal to obtain medical opinions regarding the etiology of the veteran's right knee disability and tension headaches.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's left and right knee disabilities, except for a 10 percent rating for laxity of the right knee.

The veteran's diabetes mellitus with impotence and nephropathy, chondromalacia of the left knee, chondromalacia of the right knee, and left ear hearing loss do not meet the criteria for increased ratings.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of additional evidence.

The appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining up-to-date medical records and scheduling a VA orthopedic evaluation to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's knee disabilities.

The Board granted an evaluation of 20 percent for the service-connected metatarsalgia and patellofemoral stress syndrome, effective from September 2003.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development of evidence, including obtaining private and VA treatment records and scheduling a new examination.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disorder was not a result of any established event, injury, or disease during honorable active service.

The Board denied the veteran's attempt to reopen a claim for service connection for a right knee disability, as new and material evidence was not submitted.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for arthritis of the right knee, associated with residuals, right knee medial menisectomy.

The veteran's left knee disability was rated at 40 percent for limitation of extension, and a separate rating of 20 percent was granted for limitation of flexion. The right ankle disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board denied service connection for hypertension, sinusitis, and the veteran's knee conditions as there was no evidence of these conditions in service or within one year of discharge. The Board also found that the veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his left and right knee chrondomalacia.

The veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of right knee derangement, right tibial plateau fracture was remanded to the RO for additional development.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for residuals of a left great toe injury with arthritis, but denied service connection for bilateral knee and low back disorders as well as bilateral shin splints.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him permanently bedridden, and he is not confined to his home by the service-connected disabilities. Therefore, special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status is denied.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a left ankle fracture and denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for a left knee disability, post arthroscopic surgery, anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscus repair.