Knee Board decisions

The Board has determined that there is no current evidence of a bilateral knee disability or low back disability, and the veteran's claims for these conditions are denied. The claim for pes planus, bilateral, was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.

The veteran's current bilateral knee disorders are not shown to be related to service, and the Board finds that he did not have a knee injury or disability during his active duty. The claim is denied.

The VA granted service connection for postoperative meniscus tear and degenerative joint disease of the right knee, assigning a 10% disability rating effective December 23, 2003. The veteran's pain and limited range of motion were considered in determining his disability level.

The Board has determined that the RO did not properly evaluate the appellant's disabilities and remanded the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disorder and right knee disorder are not service-connected as they were either congenital or pre-existing conditions.

The Board denied all issues related to service connection and rating for various knee disabilities, as well as an extension of a convalescent rating. The veteran's claim was based on new evidence that reopened the original claims.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, residuals of amputation of the right lower extremity below the knee joint, and residuals of amputation of the toes of the left foot. The evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are related to his active military service.

The Board has granted a higher rating of 10 percent for the veteran's residuals of left knee meniscectomy, finding that his symptoms include pain and limited range of motion. The current 10 percent rating is deemed insufficient to reflect the severity of his disability.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for himself or leave the house without assistance, and he is therefore eligible for special monthly compensation on account of need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has decided that further development is needed due to insufficient medical evidence linking the veteran's reported conditions to his military service. The appeal will be returned for this purpose.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a right tibia stress fracture with right knee pain syndrome is currently manifested by no more than impairment of the tibia with slight knee or ankle disability, and thus does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteochondritis dessicans of the right femur and residuals of a back injury, finding no current diagnosis or evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's right knee disability, which includes postoperative residuals of reconstructive surgery and accompanying arthritis, does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has denied service connection for a right knee disability, but granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the veteran's right ankle disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability.

The VA has determined that the veteran's right knee total arthroplasty does not warrant a rating higher than 30 percent from May 1, 2002.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his left knee meniscectomy, left knee arthritis, and right knee injury with traumatic arthritis. The current ratings of 10 percent are deemed appropriate based on the medical evidence.

The Board has determined that no new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for shrapnel wounds of the left knee and left shoulder, which were previously denied in August 1997.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthritis and assigned a 20 percent rating effective June 15, 2002. Other issues remain pending.

The veteran's claims are being remanded for additional medical examination and to obtain outstanding records. The RO must address whether a separate 10 percent rating is warranted for arthritis of the left or right knee.