Knee decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and did not address service connection issues, as those were remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection, finding that there was no evidence to support a higher rating or secondary service connection. The right foot disability is currently rated as 30 percent disabling.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule a VA examination. The Veteran claims his right knee disability has increased in severity since the last VA examination, and he alleges instability of the knee.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals for all issues prior to the Board's decision.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current hip disability, and the Veteran's claimed knee disability does not meet the criteria for service connection as it was not shown to be incurred during active duty.

The Board found no evidence of a current left shoulder disability and denied the Veteran's claim for service connection. The issue of entitlement to service connection for left knee patellofemoral syndrome is pending as further development is required.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including malaria, vision impairment, ulcers, left arm disorder, left shoulder disorder, left little finger disorder, left hip disorder, sciatica, spine disorder, and right knee disorder, were denied as there is no medical evidence of current diagnoses or a link to service.

The Board has remanded the case due to an outstanding request for a personal hearing. The appellant's claims for service connection and total rating based on individual unemployability are pending.

The Veteran's left knee disability was not shown during service, and the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that any currently diagnosed left knee disability is related to active service. The Veteran's right knee disability has been diagnosed as degenerative joint disease (arthritis) but no in-service injury or disease related to the right knee was observed.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease is being reviewed for possible service connection as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The TDIU issue remains pending.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for low back disability, finding that there is no evidence of a direct or presumptive relationship to service. The Veteran's current low back disability was first noted several years after service and there is no medical opinion linking it to his service-connected bilateral knee condition.

The Board found that the reduction of the Veteran's right knee disability evaluation from 30 percent to 10 percent was proper based on medical evidence showing slight laxity and no other criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board grants his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected due to clear and unmistakable evidence showing they existed prior to his entry into active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's skin conditions and bilateral knee disorder are likely due to service, including exposure during active duty in Germany. Service connection is granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's above-the-left-knee amputation was not deemed to be a result of VA care or treatment, and thus he is denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for generalized arthritis and chronic left knee disorder, finding that there was no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is not related to his service-connected left knee disability and therefore denied the claim.