Knee Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for increased compensation for his right knee disorder, finding that it was not factually ascertainable that there was an increase in disability within one year of the January 15, 2003 claim.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to incomplete medical records and the need for an orthopedic examination.

The veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for various service-connected conditions were granted, with the exception of his claim for a higher evaluation for tinnitus. The effective date is not specified.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected residuals of a gunshot wound to the left knee is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and testing.

The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including obtaining medical records and conducting examinations.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, as his conditions do not include loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or vision, nor does he have ankylosis of the knees or hips.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disability, currently rated at 10 percent. The evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of flexion or extension.

The veteran's service-connected instability of the right knee, limitation of flexion, and limitation of extension have been rated at 10 percent each. The RO found that these conditions do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board denied an increased disability rating for chondromalacia of the left knee, as the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion or other criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a combined rating in excess of 20 percent for his left knee disability prior to November 4, 1999 and for a combined rating in excess of 40 percent from that date. The veteran's left knee disability was rated based on arthritis with painful motion.

The Board denied increased evaluations for chondromalacia of the left and right knees, finding that the veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for arthritis of the left knee, finding that his disability did not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence provided.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for retropatellar pain syndrome of the left knee, based on limitation of motion and instability. The combined evaluation is now 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a left knee injury, manifested by soft tissue calcification, are causally related to service and grants service connection for this condition.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of qualifying disability.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and compliance with VCAA requirements.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including an immature personality disorder, panic disorder with adjustment disorder with depression and anxiety, ischemic heart disease, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, chloracne of the hands and face, and diabetes mellitus due to herbicide exposure are all denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during or within one year of service. The veteran's claims for left knee disorder and bone spurs of the heels were withdrawn prior to a decision.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for hepatitis C and bilateral knee disability, finding no medical evidence establishing a nexus to service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disorder and a cervical spine disorder. The veteran's claim of entitlement to an initial compensable disability rating for his service-connected bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of the appeal.