Knee decisions — 2009

The Veteran's tinnitus and low back disorder are service-connected, but his bilateral knee disorder claim is denied as new evidence does not establish a link to service.

The appeal based on the October 12, 1971 rating decision for service connection of a bilateral knee disorder is denied as it was subsumed by an August 15, 1973 Board decision.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for regular aid and attendance, but not housebound status. Special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee scar does not meet any criteria for a compensable rating under VA's Schedule for Rating Disabilities, and thus denied an initial compensable rating.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is not found to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as it does not demonstrate extension limited to 15 degrees or flexion limited by 45 degrees. The current disability picture does not warrant additional ratings under Diagnostic Codes 5260 and 5261.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment prior to July 22, 2002.

The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for residuals of a left total knee arthroplasty is denied as there is no evidence of chronic residuals consisting of severe painful motion or weakness in the left lower extremity.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for left shoulder and left knee disorders, finding new and material evidence. The VA will now review these claims de novo.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disorder, finding that the preexisting condition existed prior to service and did not worsen during service.

The Veteran's chronic low back strain was rated at 40 percent effective November 13, 2008. The claim for an increased rating for torn medial meniscus of the right knee and residuals of torn left knee ligaments were denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis, left knee osteoarthritis, and lumbar spine DDD are not related to his active duty service.

The Board found no evidence of a right knee disorder during service and concluded that the current condition is not related to service. The Veteran's claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's left knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not due to, the result of, or aggravated by her service-connected back or right knee disabilities. Her low back disability causes severe impairment with sciatic neuropathy, pain, muscle spasm, and incapacitating episodes lasting more than 6 weeks in a given year. The Veteran's left knee disability was denied as it is not due to, the result of, or aggravated by her service-connected conditions.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current left knee and ankle disorders and his service, and determined that his service-connected right knee disability did not cause or aggravate either disorder.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, specifically the left knee MCL tear and right knee ACL tear, were not granted higher evaluations. The low back disability was also denied as not related to service-connected conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's lumbosacral spine disorder and right knee disorder were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected shrapnel wound scars and PTSD are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petitions to reopen his claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a right knee disorder. The evidence submitted since the November 2000 rating decision does not raise a reasonable possibility of substantiating these claims.