Knee Board decisions

The Board has granted a disability rating of 60 percent for the veteran's service-connected residuals of a right knee injury with degenerative joint disease, effective from August 8, 2001.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for post-operative residuals of a tear of the meniscus cartilage of the right knee, resolving all reasonable doubt in favor of the veteran. The claim for an increased rating for osteoarthritis of the right knee with limitation of motion remains at 10 percent.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's right and left ankle disabilities, as well as his right knee disability. The current evaluations remain at 20%.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for her right and left knee disorders are denied as there is no evidence showing more than slight or moderate recurrent subluxation or instability, or arthritis in either knee.

The Board found no evidence of spinal meningitis during service and denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, as well as a right knee disorder. The Board also noted that there was insufficient evidence to establish secondary service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's back disability is related to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted an extension of the temporary total disability rating for a period of convalescence through September 30, 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disorder is service-connected, with continuity of symptomatology established.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected low back disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his right knee and dermatitis disabilities do not warrant ratings higher than 10 percent.

The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right tibia and fibula fracture with right knee involvement, finding that the veteran's disability was manifested by malunion at the proximal fracture site and no more than slight right knee disability.

The veteran's right knee disability, characterized by post medial meniscectomy with osteoarthritis and chondromalacia of the patella, is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5259. The maximum rating available for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding that new evidence does not establish a nexus to service and that there is no competent post-service evidence of current disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of shell fragment wound to the right thigh do not warrant a compensable rating, and his service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left knee with retained foreign body does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the appellant's right knee disorder existed prior to his entry into active duty and did not undergo a chronic increase in severity beyond normal progression during service. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim of service connection for a right knee disorder, finding that her current condition did not begin during or as a result of her military service.

The VA has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his post-operative meniscectomy of the left knee, currently rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's right below-knee amputation was determined to be the direct result of his pre-existing medical conditions, not due to negligence or accidents during treatment. The Board found that the additional disability resulting from VA medical treatment is compensable.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disorder, diagnosed as torn lateral meniscus, a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament and degenerative arthritis, was incurred in service. The claim is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected right knee disability warranted a separate evaluation of 30 percent for instability and chondromalacia, resulting in an overall rating of 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's spouse's claim for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and attendance or due to being housebound, finding that she did not meet the criteria as her disabilities do not require regular aid and assistance.