Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings have been denied as there is no evidence of additional disability warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective January 12, 2005. His left knee disability remains at a noncompensable rating. The claim for an earlier effective date for the migraine headaches with syncope was granted and set to August 19, 2002.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for ratings higher than 10 percent for left knee arthritis and 30 percent for left knee instability.

The Veteran's left knee disability, which included degenerative arthritis and some instability, was initially rated at 20 percent prior to November 15, 2005. After surgery in November 2005, the rating was increased to 10 percent effective January 1, 2006.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for a lumbar spine condition. The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities are also being evaluated, and a new VA examination is needed to assess their current severity.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a right leg disability, right ankle disability, and left hand disability has been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal concerning the issues of entitlement to service connection for a right ankle disability and a left hand disability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left knee arthritis was denied. The claims for extension of temporary total disability ratings (TTR) for the right knee were also denied.

The Veteran died in October 2005 from intracranial hemorrhage due to, or as a consequence of, hypertension. The RO will need to provide proper notice and obtain a medical opinion regarding the cause of death and its relation to service-connected conditions.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic left knee disorder, bilateral hearing loss, or tinnitus during service or within one year post-service. The Veteran's claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a cervical spine disorder, found new and material evidence not sufficient to reopen the claim for right knee disorder, and denied increased rating claims for his left knee disabilities.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability and remanded the merits of the claim for additional development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a bilateral shoulder disorder and denied her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a back disorder and right knee disorder, including as secondary to his service-connected left knee condition, are denied. The claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder is also denied.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims of service connection for arthritis of the knees and bone spurs of the elbows, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's right knee disorder was rated at 10 percent prior to August 23, 2004 and increased to 20 percent effective October 1, 2004. The claim for an evaluation in excess of these ratings is denied.

The Veteran's meniscectomy of the left knee, osteoarthritis of the left knee, arthroscopic surgery of the right knee, and osteoarthritis of the right knee have been rated at 10 percent each. The Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted for the left knee conditions due to frequent episodes of locking, pain, effusion into the joint, and slight instability.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by arthritis and ACL deficiency, was found to be limited to a noncompensable rating from November 22, 2002 through May 17, 2004.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee condition was not incurred in or as a result of his active duty service and denied the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been rated at 20 percent each, and the Board has determined that these ratings are not warranted for higher evaluations.

The Veteran's right thigh shell fragment wound with retained foreign bodies and multiple scars is rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board granted his claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.