Knee decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for joint pain in the bilateral ankles, elbows, and knees. The claim for diabetes mellitus was also denied. The veteran's head injury residuals were not found to be related to his service. Service connection for hypertension and dermatitis (claimed as a skin rash) could not be reopened based on new evidence provided by the veteran.

The Board found that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral knee disorder, resulting in a denial of the petition to reopen.

The Board has determined that the veteran's appeal regarding increased disability evaluation for total right knee replacement with revision and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability is denied. The veteran was granted a TDIU effective March 1, 1994.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee strain is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and proper VCAA notice.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, evidence review, and proper notification.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that an effective date of March 11, 1998 is warranted for the assignment of a 20 percent disability rating for service-connected right knee ligament laxity. The veteran's claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the bilateral ankles, knees, and feet as secondary to his service-connected pes planus.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability and degenerative joint changes of the lumbar spine, finding that these conditions are not related to service or service-connected disabilities.,A rating higher than 20 percent for residuals of right knee injury with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was also denied.

The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of a bilateral knee disorder and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's numbness of the hands and fingers, as well as his left knee condition, are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left and right knee retropatellar pain syndromes do not warrant a compensable disability rating as there is no evidence of arthritis or recurrent subluxation/lateral instability.

The veteran's shrapnel wound to the right knee is attributable to service and has been granted. The issues of PTSD and knots under skin are pending further examination and evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for left knee disability, right knee disability, and low back disability due to lack of new and material evidence. The veteran's current disabilities are not related to his military service.

The Board is remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.,The Board is also remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.,The Board is further remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.,The Board is additionally remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.,The Board is also remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.,The Board is further remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.,The Board is additionally remanding the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service records and need for medical opinions.

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to a 20 percent rating for his right knee disability under Diagnostic Code 5258, which pertains to dislocated cartilage with frequent episodes of 'locking,' pain, and effusion into the joint. The VA Office of General Counsel has ruled that separate ratings may be assigned for distinct disabilities resulting from the same injury so long as the symptomatology is not duplicative or overlapping.

The veteran's knee conditions have been rated at the minimum of 10 percent, and service connection for tinnitus has been granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left knee disability is attributable to his service-connected left femur disability. As such, the claim for service connection for a left knee disorder is granted.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee conditions, as well as a chronic disability manifested by recurrent headaches, to include migraine syndrome. The veteran did not provide sufficient evidence linking these conditions to her active or reserve service.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of being in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound.