Knee decisions — 2010

The Veteran seeks an increased rating for his service-connected left knee disability. The Board has determined that further development is necessary, including a new VA examination and consideration of the claim in light of any newly obtained evidence.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings and earlier effective dates were denied. The RO granted service connection and initial noncompensable ratings for right knee chondromalacia, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and lumbar degenerative joint disease.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, ankle, and hip disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of recent submitted evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate medical examinations in prior decisions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus, rheumatoid arthritis, back problems, and knee problems have been denied as there is no evidence to support these conditions were incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Board denied service connection for osteochondritis of the left knee and blackouts (diagnosed as loss of consciousness) and panic attacks due to lack of evidence showing aggravation during service or any other basis for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee condition was denied as the current evaluation of 30 percent is considered the maximum available under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability, including osteoarthritis, was not incurred or aggravated in service and denied his claim.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for internal derangement of the left knee, finding that his symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on instability or subluxation. The separate evaluation for osteoarthritis was also denied.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. � 1151 for injuries sustained during a VA surgical procedure in September 2002, which resulted in additional disability to his left leg and foot. The case has been remanded due to incomplete information regarding the status of the surgeon who performed the surgery and whether it was conducted at a facility over which VA had direct jurisdiction.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee conditions, including strain and a cystic lesion, are currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for hepatitis, rash on the hands and forehead, leg cramps, defective vision, cervical spine disability, and left knee disability have all been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle disability, sleep disability, and right knee degenerative joint disease have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is not related to his service-connected right knee disability and thus cannot be granted on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation was denied as he does not meet the criteria for need of regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service-connected knee disabilities and hearing loss.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent for chronic pain and mildly limited flexion. A separate 20 percent rating is granted for moderate residual left knee instability and locking.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and service connection due to further development of evidence being required. The right knee capsulitis remains rated at 10 percent, while the right ankle sprain is also rated at 10 percent. Service connection for a left ankle disability secondary to service-connected disabilities is found.