Knee decisions — 2009

The Veteran's right knee disability has been rated at 30 percent since October 19, 2006. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period prior to or after this date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current left knee, left ankle, low back, or skin disorder that is related to his period of active service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evaluation of his right knee disability, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to service connection for right knee disability, as it was incurred during his period of active duty.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease of the left knee, status post meniscectomy is being remanded due to a need for additional development.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for chondromalacia of the bilateral knees and a respiratory disorder (bronchial asthma and COPD). The Board found that these conditions are not related to active service or any period of active duty for training.

The Veteran's residuals of a shrapnel wound to the left knee are currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that he is not entitled to an increased rating.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease, post-operative resection of fractured patella, is currently rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board granted service connection for instability of the left knee and assigned a 10 percent disability evaluation effective February 27, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current disability related to her claimed conditions, and therefore service connection is denied for neck pain, left ankle sprain, right ankle twist/sprain, right knee pain, left plantar callus (claimed as left foot pain), and bilateral hand pain.

The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder and has reopened the veteran's claims of service connection for hip disorders. The issues of service connection for knee disorders, back disorder, and hip disorders are remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right knee injury, right eye disability, and injuries to his nose, mouth, and teeth. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions, and there is no evidence linking them to his service. The claims for service connection are denied.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative changes in various joints, finding that new and material evidence was received. The Board determined that these conditions are related to a pre-existing left hip condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's type II diabetes mellitus, bilateral pes planus, and right knee disorder were not incurred or aggravated during his periods of active duty service. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee condition is being remanded due to the unavailability of his service records and the need for further medical opinion regarding the relationship between his current condition and his in-service injury.

The Veteran's disabilities, including arteriosclerotic heart disease and arthritis of the knees, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status due to his current disability ratings.

The Veteran's left knee patellar tendonitis and chondromalacia were found to be incurred during his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities manifested by pelvic pain, low back pain, or bilateral knee pain. The claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities have been denied. The RO has granted service connection for these conditions, but the current disability ratings do not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability was not incurred or aggravated in service and is not secondary to or aggravated by other service-connected disabilities. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for the condition.