Knee decisions — 2008

The Board has granted service connection for right knee chondromalacia and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) as both conditions were first diagnosed during active duty military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus, residuals of a below-the-knee amputation (BKA) of the left leg, and anemia. The evidence does not establish that these conditions are related to service.

The appellant's claim for a higher initial level of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for special aid and attendance or a higher level of care was denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC under any provision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus and its secondary effects. The Board found that there was no evidence of a thoracolumbar spine disorder or ankylosing spondylitis during active service or within one year after discharge.

The Board has granted a TDIU rating effective from August 20, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for PTSD, service connection for a left knee disability, service connection for a head and neck injury, and service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and chronic left knee disability. The claim for reopening of a previously denied left ear hearing loss was also denied.

The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for diabetes mellitus, Type 2. The right knee disability issue is remanded for further examination and opinion.

The veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded as the VA examination reports are outdated and additional evidence, including SSA records, needs to be obtained.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for her service-connected residuals of a status post left knee reconstruction to include surgical scars, finding that there was no evidence of any limitation of motion or other disabling conditions warranting a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral knee disorder and vaginitis/cervicitis were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The issue of a bilateral ankle disorder is remanded for further review.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral knee replacements due to traumatic arthritis were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current left knee disorder or cervical spine disorder that is causally related to his military service. The evidence shows no in-service injury, disease, or event and no current disability.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral knee arthritis did not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, as his range of motion was within normal limits and there were no clinical signs of reduced range of motion or flexion with repetition. The veteran's symptoms included chronic pain, stiffness, and limited activities of daily living.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right hand disability, and right knee disability. The claim of reopening a PTSD claim was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a TDIU rating, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for such a rating.

The Board increased the evaluation of the veteran's left knee tricompartmental degenerative joint disease from 10 percent to 40 percent, effective October 7, 2005.

The Board has granted service connection for aggravation of a preexisting personality disorder and service connection for GERD. The remaining claims are remanded for further development.

The veteran's right knee disability, post-operative meniscectomy and chondroplasty of the patella and medial femoral condyle, is currently rated at 20 percent. The RO has granted a temporary 100 percent rating effective November 23, 2005, with restoration to 20 percent effective February 1, 2006.

The Board granted an increased rating of 20% for residuals of a left knee injury and a 10% rating for left knee instability. Service connection was established for the right knee disorder, but no effective date is provided.