Knee Board decisions

The veteran's left wrist disability is manifested by pain with repetitive movement, warranting an initial evaluation of 20 percent.

The Board found that the appellant does not currently have arthritis, other than gouty arthritis, of either knee and denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, as evidenced by his inability to dress himself, hold objects, walk without a cane, and feed himself. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased rating and service connection for left foot, left knee, and lumbar spine disorders secondary to his service-connected right foot/ankle disorder.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation benefits was denied because he did not complete the initial evaluation and planning phase, which included a psychological assessment. The VA determined that further evaluation was needed to determine if his proposed program of study was feasible.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for various disabilities, including an amputation below the right knee, left ankle disorder, left knee disorder, bilateral hip disorder, and low back disability. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred in or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected left knee condition was denied due to his failure to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The veteran's appeal involves multiple issues including PTSD, diabetes, and various musculoskeletal conditions. The RO is instructed to issue a statement of the case for these claims and afford the veteran an opportunity to perfect his appeals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right and left knee disabilities did not begin during service or due to any incident of service, and therefore denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his right and left knee disabilities, as well as a subcutaneous mass of the occipital area of his scalp, were denied. The VA examinations did not find any significant impairment in range of motion or stability.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the hands, knees, and cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine as aggravated by active service.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the left knee, effective from the date of the initial grant of service connection. The claim for increased evaluation for left knee instability remains denied.

The Board has granted an increased rating to 30 percent for residuals of left knee injury with traumatic arthritis and limitation of motion, extension, effective from April 14, 2004. The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for the flexion component is denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee scar does not result in any functional limitation of his left knee or leg, and therefore, does not warrant a separate compensable evaluation.

The veteran's right knee disability is manifested by noticeable right quadriceps atrophy, monthly flare-ups, lack of endurance, pain on motion, and functional impairment. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 20 percent rating for limitation of motion of the right knee have been met.

The Board has remanded the case for further VA examination and review of the claims file to determine if there is a relationship between the veteran's bilateral knee disability and his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for left knee, lumbar spine, cervical spine and left ankle disorders due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated during periods of active duty training.

The Board has granted service connection for gout, but denied the remaining issues of cervical spine disability, cardiovascular disability, bilateral shoulder arthritis, and bilateral knee arthritis. The veteran's gout is considered to have originated during service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not contribute to his death, and denied the claim for service connection for cause of the veteran's death.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a Travel Board hearing. The issues on appeal are related to reopening claims of service connection for low back disorder, bilateral flatfoot, and right knee disorder.