Knee Board decisions

The Board has granted increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities, with a combined rating of 20 percent.

The Board has granted a rating of 20 percent for the service-connected right knee disability, which is higher than the requested increase. The veteran's condition includes asymptomatic scarring with slight right calf atrophy and traumatic arthritis.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a chronic disability resulting from inservice dysentery, dengue fever, or injuries to his right great toe, ankles, knees, or pes planus. The service medical records do not show any such conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disabilities are being remanded to allow for a VA examination and consideration of all evidence.

The VA denied increased ratings for the veteran's degenerative joint disease of both right and left knees, currently evaluated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation for residuals of fracture, and a separate 10 percent evaluation for arthritic changes. The combined evaluations meet the criteria established under VA regulations.

The veteran was granted initial compensable ratings for patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees, as well as lumbosacral strain from October 30, 2002 to May 17, 2004.,From May 18, 2004 onwards, he was granted initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees, as well as lumbosacral strain.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right ear hearing loss and right knee injury, finding no evidence of current disability related to his period of active duty.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's left knee disability, currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's right knee disability, including his ACL and meniscus repair as well as postoperative scars, is currently evaluated at a 10 percent rating. The RO has granted service connection for these conditions based on their direct relationship to the veteran's military service.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's postoperative residuals of a left patella injury and found that his right knee disorder was not related to service-connected disability or active service.

The veteran's left knee disability, including chondromalacia and instability, does not warrant a higher evaluation.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the criteria for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 as he was not in receipt of or entitled to receive compensation for a service-connected disability rated totally disabling for at least ten years immediately preceding his death.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's kidney disability as secondary to his service-connected Reiter's syndrome. The right and left knee disabilities are both rated at 10 percent, but the veteran is seeking higher evaluations.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were generally granted, with some issues having specific rating assignments.

The Board has determined that the veteran's conditions, including as due to an undiagnosed illness, are service-connected for wrists, ankles, elbows, hips, and neck disabilities. The right knee disability is also service-connected. However, the veteran does not have chronic fatigue syndrome or asthmatic bronchitis.

The Board has ordered additional attempts to locate the veteran's service medical and personnel records from his second tour of duty. The claim will be reconsidered based on all available evidence.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for a perforated left eardrum and left knee disorder, as these conditions are not shown to be related to his active duty. The hearing loss claim is remanded due to insufficient information.

The veteran is seeking service connection for a left knee disorder, which she claims was incurred during her military service. The Board has decided to remand the case for further development and examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back injury, bilateral knee injuries, and onychomycosis. The claim for left ear hearing loss was also denied as it did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.