Knee decisions — 2009

The Veteran's right knee disability does not result in flexion limited to 30 degrees or extension limited to 15 degrees, even with consideration of pain. The Board finds no other potentially applicable diagnostic codes that provide for an increased evaluation for the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's left knee disability has been rated at 10 percent since November 1, 1994. Since August 13, 2008, the disability is now rated at 20 percent due to moderate impairment of the tibia and fibula.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of records.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a left knee disorder, including osteoarthritis. The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current left knee condition present, as well as whether his pre-existing left knee disorder was aggravated during his ACDUTRA service in April 2003.

The Veteran's right knee instability was rated at 10 percent prior to October 6, 2008. From October 6, 2008, the rating increased to 30 percent.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was granted effective January 18, 2005.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to the appellant's request for withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for increased evaluations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back, left knee, and skin disabilities due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability warrants a rating of 20 percent, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral shoulder arthritis, degenerative joint disease/chronic low back pain, bilateral hand arthritis, right little finger disability, and bilateral knee disability have all been denied. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that these conditions are related to active military service or events therein.,There is no credible evidence showing current disabilities for any of the claimed conditions.

The Veteran's initial ratings for left knee arthralgia and perforated ear drum have been denied as they are not in excess of the assigned noncompensable ratings.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service-connected knee disabilities, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a new examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and readjudication of her claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disability and donor site scar on the left hip were denied. The rating assigned for arthritis in the right knee was found to be appropriate, as was the rating for the donor site scar.

The Veteran's left knee disability is being remanded for further examination and opinion to determine its etiology, including whether it is related to her service or due to her service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis, an acquired psychiatric disorder (specifically major depression rather than PTSD), bilateral hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision found that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for his right knee disability and service connection for a right hip condition, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection based on direct service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance is being remanded due to the need to adjudicate his service connection claim for a right knee disability, which is inextricably intertwined with his clothing allowance claim. The case will be returned to the Board after proper adjudication of the service connection claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder is secondary to his service-connected left knee disorder, and thus grants service connection for this condition. However, the Board finds no evidence linking the Veteran's ganglion cysts or bilateral shoulder disorders to service or any service-connected disability.