Knee Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability, which is rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5258 for dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking, pain and effusion, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not demonstrate severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability.

The veteran's service-connected left and right knee patellofemoral syndromes are each granted an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent.,The veteran's service-connected status post excision of the distal phalanx, both great toes, is each granted an initial evaluation in excess of 0 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left knee disorder, PTSD, and adenocarcinoma of the parotid. The decision also found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for adenocarcinoma of the parotid due to exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board found that the veteran's current left knee disorder is not causally related to his active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran did not have a current left knee disorder and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted a rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected left knee disability, including a separate rating of 10 percent for limitation of motion due to arthritis. The current 20 percent rating is maintained as it reflects moderate disability due to subluxation or instability under DC 5257.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back strain and an increased rating for his right knee disability. The low back strain was not found to be incurred or aggravated by active service, nor proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by service-connected residuals of a right knee medial meniscectomy, status post total arthroplasty. The veteran's right knee disability was evaluated as 10 percent disabling from August 4, 1990 to June 6, 1991 and 30 percent disabling thereafter.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disorder, left knee disorder, and traumatic arthritis of the right ring finger are all service-connected. The veteran is currently receiving a 10% rating for his traumatic arthritis of the right ring finger.

The Board denied an increased rating for chondromalacia of the left knee and did not address the issue of reopening a claim for service connection for a left hip disorder, secondary to a service connected left knee disability.

The veteran's notice of disagreement was not timely filed within one year from the date of the December 1997 and January 1998 rating decisions, thus his appeal is dismissed.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed disabilities, including right knee disability, left knee disability, back disability, right ankle disability, memory loss, and disabling residuals due to use of medication.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders, as well as his claim for an evaluation in excess of 50 percent for anxiety reaction with PTSD. The Board found that the veteran's current knee disorders are not related to his period of active service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, vision, or ankylosis of knees or hips. Therefore, he does not meet the basic criteria for a grant for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The VA determined that the veteran's right knee impairment, postoperative does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disability, which includes chondromalacia and arthritis, is manifested by pain, crepitus, and arthritis without instability. The RO assigned a 10 percent evaluation for this condition based on limitation of motion.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his right knee disorder, currently rated at 10 percent. The evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board granted separate 10% evaluations for the veteran's status post residuals of right and left knee injuries effective June 14, 1994.

The Board has determined that the veteran's patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee does not warrant a compensable evaluation from April 5, 1995 to October 3, 1995. From October 4, 1995 to April 6, 1997, the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent have not been met. After April 6, 1997, the criteria for a compensable evaluation have not been met.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disability, currently rated at 20 percent.