Knee decisions — 2009

The veteran's claims for service connection for spina bifida and a right knee disability (degenerative joint disease, right knee) were denied. The claim for tinea pedis was granted at 10%, while the claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss, left knee chondromalacia patella, and left knee limitation of flexion were all denied.

The Board found that new and material evidence had been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, but ultimately determined that a bilateral knee disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The left varicocele did not warrant a compensable rating.

The Board found that new and material evidence was received to reopen the claim for service connection for PTSD, but not for hearing loss, a left knee disorder, or subcutaneous lumps. The claims for chronic prostatitis and urinary disorder were denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and bilateral foot disorder, finding that there was no evidence of chronic disorders in service or a medical nexus between active duty service and current complaints.

The veteran's left and right knee chondromalacia patella were denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent as the conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability as it is not related to the veteran's service or his service-connected low back disability. The Board also denied an increased rating for the veteran's low back disability and an earlier effective date for service connection of depressive disorder.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were partially denied, with a 30 percent evaluation granted for headaches.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for claimed residuals of leg injuries, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability, chronic neck and hip disabilities, bilateral tendonitis, bilateral heel disability, left ear hearing loss, peripheral neuropathy, and chronic eye disability. However, it granted service connection for a skin disability due to in-service exposure to sunlight and chemical irritants.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's knee, shoulder, tinnitus, and headache conditions, but granted a 10% rating for gastroesophageal reflux with hiatal hernia.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and to reopen his claim for bilateral hallux valgus with hammertoe deformities of the lesser digits, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions, including atrial fibrillation, knots under arms (lipomas), leg disorder (weak legs, knee arthralgias), memory loss, skin cancer, and pulmonary disorder (shortness of breath) as they were not shown to be related to his active military service or any herbicide exposure.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death.

The veteran's left knee disability is manifested by a range of motion from 0 to 70 degrees, with pain from 45 to 70 degrees, no subluxation or instability, and minimal functional impairment. The Board grants the claim for an initial 10 percent disability rating for residuals of a left knee arthroscopy.

The veteran's claims for service connection for chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and a right knee disability were denied as there is no evidence of current conditions related to her military service.

The Board found that the reduction in the left knee disability rating from 30% to 20% was proper, and denied a higher initial rating for lumbar myositis while granting a separate 10% rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection for any of the conditions on appeal.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected conditions, finding that the current ratings were appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The veteran's service-connected PTSD was granted a 70 percent rating, while his thoracic spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities were each granted 10 percent ratings. Service connection for lumbar spine and joint pains was denied.

The veteran's left knee disability was incurred during military service.