Knee decisions — 2008

The veteran's right and left knee degenerative joint disease were initially granted with a noncompensable evaluation, which was later increased to 10 percent effective February 9, 2007. The bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis also received an initial compensable evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right knee and laxity or instability of the right knee, secondary to degenerative arthritis, warrant a 10 percent rating each. The evidence does not support higher ratings.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, as well as his bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not show that any of these conditions warranted a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals of traumatic injury to the right knee and right hip, involving DJD.

The Board found that the veteran's claimed low back, right ankle, left knee, and left shoulder disorders were not incurred or aggravated by service. The arthritis of the lumbar spine and left shoulder was also not shown to be incurred in service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the loss of use of one or both feet, permanent impairment of vision of both eyes, or ankylosis of one or both knees or hips. Therefore, he is not eligible for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and necessary adaptive equipment.

The veteran's service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left hip and knee have been rated at 20 percent each, but he contends that his disabilities warrant higher ratings due to pain and inability to work.,The VA has determined that the veteran's hip and knee conditions do not meet criteria for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that a remand is required to obtain an updated VA examination for the veteran's claimed disabilities of the right knee, left foot, neck, and low back. The purpose of this examination is to determine whether it is at least as likely as not (50 percent or greater likelihood) that these conditions are related to active service rather than being more recent in origin.

The Board has granted the veteran's service connection claim for a bilateral knee disability, finding that it is related to his military service and resolving all doubts in favor of the veteran.

The Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for the veteran's left knee disability, effective from February 1990. The appeal regarding PTSD was remanded.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service or a service-connected condition.

The VA has determined that the veteran's bilateral knee disabilities do not warrant an increased evaluation beyond the current 10 percent ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran did not incur a bilateral knee condition or arthritis in service and denied both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a diagnosis of PTSD and therefore, service connection for PTSD is denied. The increased evaluation claims for right and left knee disabilities are remanded due to inadequate examination.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The case is remanded to the RO for scheduling a Board videoconference hearing.

The veteran's left knee disability was found to be manifested by flexion limited to 95 degrees and extension limited to 12 degrees, with a small joint effusion. The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the period prior to September 29, 2004.

The Board has determined that the veteran likely incurred degenerative joint disease of both his right and left knees as a result of injuries sustained during combat in Korea, and service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to outstanding medical records and a need to ensure all notification and development actions are fully complied with.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disabilities have not manifested symptomatology that more nearly approximates the criteria required for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected left knee disability warranted a combined rating of 20 percent, which is the maximum allowed under applicable criteria. The claim for an increased rating was denied.