Knee decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that further action is needed to evaluate the veteran's left knee scar status post keloid excision, including obtaining VA medical records and arranging for a VA examination. The claim will be remanded for these actions.

The Board denied service connection for various joint disorders, including right hip, left elbow, left knee, right knee, left hip, right hand and fingers, and left hand and fingers disorders, as the evidence did not show a qualifying chronic disability due to undiagnosed illness during active duty.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbosacral spine, bilateral knee, vertigo, hearing loss, and eye scarring conditions. The evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability for which service connection can be granted, specifically bilateral hearing loss and myopia. The Board also found no evidence of left knee or right ankle disabilities or joint stiffness.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, residuals of a dislocated right knee cap, and residuals of pneumonia as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a diagnosed left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, or right knee disorder. Therefore, service connection for these conditions cannot be established.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for right knee pain, boot shock, bilateral feet, and PTSD. The evidence does not establish a current disability in any of these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for headaches, increased ratings for his low back and knee disabilities, and an initial compensable rating for the residuals of a tonsillectomy.

The veteran's claims for service connection for right knee disability, left knee disability, and low back pain are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination.

The Board has ordered a VA examination to determine the current right knee disorder and its relation to service. The veteran's claim will be reconsidered based on this new evidence.

The veteran's service-connected right hallux valgus, left hallux valgus, and right knee strain are each rated at the maximum schedular rating provided by regulation.

The veteran's claim for restoration of a previous 30 percent rating for chondromalacia left knee with postoperative joint disease was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board denied reopening the claims for residuals of bilateral knee injuries and complex partial seizures, as well as service connection for a right shoulder injury due to lack of new and material evidence.,There is no credible evidence showing that the veteran's current conditions had their onset during active service or are related to any in-service disease or injury.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for reopening his service connection claim and extending a temporary total rating based on convalescence following right knee surgery.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability and determined that new and material evidence has been received. The Board also found that the veteran's preexisting left knee disability was aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability, thus granting service connection for this condition.

The veteran's low back strain and left knee chondromalacia were rated, with the low back receiving a higher rating than initially assigned. The laxity of the left knee was also rated.

The veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and thoracic strain, degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine, knees, and hips were denied as there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional evidence and readjudicate whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disorder.

The veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disability is dismissed as the benefit sought on appeal (service connection) is already in effect with a 30 percent rating effective August 5, 2003.

The veteran's vocational goal for self-employment of retailing herbal products was denied due to the effects of his multiple service-connected and nonservice-connected disabilities, which prevent him from successfully achieving a vocational goal.,VA determined that the veteran is not currently feasible for employment under Chapter 31, thus denying continuation of the February 1998 vocational goal. Additionally, reimbursement for travel expenses was denied.