Knee Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for secondary service connection for neuropathy of the left lower extremity, an increased rating for PTSD, and an increased evaluation for right below knee amputation. The claim for an increased evaluation for lumbosacral strain was not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied service connection for the left varicocele, arthritis of the knees, and sinusitis. The veteran's claim for a left varicocele was reopened based on new evidence but still denied due to lack of aggravation in service.

The Board has granted a compensable evaluation of 10 percent for left knee retropatellar arthralgia from July 27, 1999. The issue regarding the initial claim for left shoulder arthralgia is pending.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability, characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, and locking, warrants a rating of 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5258 for dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of 'locking,' pain, and effusion into the joint. The maximum available rating under this code is 20 percent.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative joint disease of the knees and right ankle, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to military service.

The VA has determined that the veteran's right and left knee disabilities do not warrant initial ratings in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The claim for increased evaluation of Achilles tendonitis was granted, with a rating of 10%. No new or material evidence was submitted to reopen the claims for residuals of back injury and gastrointestinal disorder.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right and left knee DJD with history of Osgood-Schlatter's disease and meniscus tears, as the evidence does not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for PTSD and left knee disability due to a lack of competent medical evidence supporting these conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of a distal left femur fracture with degenerative joint disease do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent, as there is no evidence of limitation of motion or instability.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the service-connected arthritis of the right knee and assigned a separate 10 percent rating for the left knee. The veteran's complaints of pain have been considered, but no higher ratings are warranted as there is noncompensable functional limitation in both knees.

The veteran's right knee disability is rated at 60 percent, and service connection for his low back disorder and bowel incontinence are granted as secondary to these conditions. The TDIU claim is also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disability and TDIU, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or entitlement to TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability.

The veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation training was denied as he did not have an employment handicap and his eligibility period had expired.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for plantar fasciitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and retropatellar pain syndrome were denied as the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for right ankle disability or a rating in excess of 10 percent for skin condition and knee disability.,The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for plantar fasciitis were also denied as there was no additional functional loss due to pain or other pathology.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings for his right knee, pubis fracture, and scapula fracture. The evidence did not support a finding of service connection or entitlement to higher ratings.

The Board finds no schedular basis to afford the veteran a rating higher than 30 percent for his left fifth toe disability. The veteran's left hip and knee disorders are not proximately due to his service-connected left fifth toe disability.

The veteran's claim for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or special home adaptations was denied as he does not meet the regulatory criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a higher rating for his service-connected arthritis of the left knee and entitlement to TDIU, finding that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 20 percent.