Knee decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his left knee disability was denied. The Board found that the current rating of 20 percent for limitation of flexion and pain related to pre-service left knee wound, service aggravated, is appropriate.

The Veteran's left knee disability has been rated at 10 percent since September 25, 2003. The current rating is for pain and some limitation of motion, with a separate 10 percent rating for slight instability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disability and hypertension are related to his service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal as the reduction of his disability compensation benefits to 10 percent, effective May [redacted], 1996, due to incarceration for a felony conviction was proper.

The Veteran requested withdrawal of his appeal for an increased rating on the left knee disability prior to a decision being made.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder. However, the claim remains denied as there is no clear and unmistakable evidence (CUE) of preexisting condition aggravation during military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's psychiatric disorder is not shown to be due to a disease or injury in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's acne, left knee arthralgia (status post ACL repair), and degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder were not incurred or aggravated in active service. The preexisting conditions are presumed to have existed prior to service, and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that they were aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disability. The claims of entitlement to service connection for back and bilateral hip disabilities are remanded due to their inextricably intertwined nature with the reopened left knee disability claim.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including instability and arthritis prior to May 9, 2007 surgery, is rated at 20 percent for instability and a separate 10 percent rating for arthritis. The appeal regarding service connection for left knee disability, varicose veins of the left lower extremity, and varicose veins of the right lower extremity is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to scheduling issues, including arranging a Travel Board hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee and ankle disorders are not related to his military service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis, bilateral knees and found that new evidence supports this reopening. The psychiatric disability claim is remanded for further development.

The Veteran is seeking an initial compensable rating for his service-connected left knee patella tendonitis. The case must be returned to the RO for further development, including obtaining VA treatment records from Loma Linda VAMC and Las Vegas VAMC, scheduling a new VA examination, and readjudicating the issue.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board or videoconference Board hearing of the appellant's choosing.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to June 30, 2008. The decision found that there was no pending claim or medical evidence supporting such a determination.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorder and low back disorder, finding no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities, including chronic strain and laxity, are currently rated at 20 percent combined effective September 10, 2009.

The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his right and left knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that either condition warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities have been rated at 10 percent each, but the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other criteria.