Knee Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis, left knee, is characterized by subjective complaints of pain and slight limitation of motion. The Veteran's service-connected status post rotator cuff tear with tendonitis, left shoulder, was characterized by a slight decrease in active and passive range of motion, accompanied by pain. The RO granted the initial compensable evaluation for osteoarthritis, left knee, but denied an increased rating for status post rotator cuff tear with tendonitis, left shoulder.

The Board finds that the Veteran's cervical spondylosis had its onset during active service and grants service connection for this condition. The Veteran's other service-connected knee and back disabilities are rated in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for internal derangement of the right knee and bilateral hearing loss were denied as there was no evidence to support these conditions being incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings on several service-connected conditions was dismissed due to his withdrawal of the claim for a higher rating for right knee strain.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative joint disease of the right knee results in motion no more limited than from 0 degrees of extension to 100 degrees of flexion, without pain over that range of motion. The criteria for an evaluation higher than 10 percent disabling have not been met.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of the current disability ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed left elbow, knee, and ankle disorders did not manifest during service or for many years thereafter. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease resulting in chronic disability or persistent symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection are denied as there is no evidence of a claim prior to January 14, 2005.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability was aggravated by active military service and granted service connection for this condition. The right ear hearing loss is currently rated as noncompensable.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left ear hearing loss and degenerative joint disease of the right knee, finding no increase in severity during active service.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as there are no legal provisions for retroactive reimbursement of costs incurred by enrolling in a masters program not approved by the IWRP under the provisions of Chapter 31.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that it is related to his service-connected left knee and bilateral ankle disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to incomplete service treatment records and outstanding medical records from various providers.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining all relevant VA treatment records from the St. Louis VA Medical Center.

The Board denied the Veteran's request for an effective date prior to October 2002 for the grant of service connection for a left knee disability. The claim for service connection for DM was denied in November 2001, and the right knee disability claim was denied by the August 2002 Board decision. Both claims were found without legal merit.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right knee injury and asthmatic bronchitis were denied by the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA). The BVA found that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation for either condition.

The Board found that the Veteran's neck and right knee injuries were not incurred in service, his hypertension was not related to service or a service-connected disability, and his headaches were not related to service.

The Veteran's left hip disability, including osteochondromatosis and chondrosarcoma, was caused by VA medical care. The Board granted compensation under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for this disability.

The Veteran's left knee replacement, right and left hip disorders, and low back disorder are found to be related to service. The claims for these conditions have been reopened and granted.