Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the right and left knees is currently rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors.

The Veteran's left knee disorder and left upper extremity median nerve neuropathy were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, are not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disease or injury, and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation for her right knee condition is being remanded due to the need for additional development of her VA treatment records.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, arthritis of the knees, and peripheral neuropathy. The case is being remanded due to scheduling a hearing.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was granted, with the effective date being November 17, 2008. The claims for increased ratings of his left and right knee disabilities were not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to February 10, 2005 for service connection are denied as there is no evidence of a claim being received within one year of discharge from active duty.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, as there is no evidence of severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the spine, hips, and knees, as well as his claim for a higher initial evaluation for diabetes mellitus, were denied. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to service or post-service treatment.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for right and left knee disabilities. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to assess the nature and etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's initial rating for left knee degenerative joint disease is denied, but he is granted a separate 10 percent rating for the removal of semilunar cartilage.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee condition with degenerative changes is granted, but the claim for a higher initial rating is denied. Service connection for a left ankle disability secondary to service-connected right ankle and right knee disabilities is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease and chondromalacia patella (right and left knees) are not shown to warrant evaluations in excess of 20 percent or 10 percent, respectively.

The Veteran's current disabilities are not due to the 1989 motorcycle accident, which occurred outside of VA care and treatment.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection for the Veteran's right knee disability, concluding that her current condition is not related to her military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of an ACL tear of the left knee are manifested by slight limitation of motion, slight instability or subluxation, and no evidence of arthritis. The criteria for a higher initial rating have not been met.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for updated Army Reserve treatment and personnel records, as well as all private medical records from his private physician. A VA examination is also required to assess the current severity of his service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right knee chondromalacia was rated at 20 percent prior to July 10, 2008, and the left knee traumatic arthritis with chondromalacia was rated at 20 percent prior to that date.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, heart disability, and bilateral knee disabilities have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board found that there is no current diagnosis of a right knee disorder or neurological disorder, and thus denied the Veteran's service connection claims for these conditions.