Knee Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability, which is manifested by X-ray evidence of arthritis with a noncompensable level of limitation of motion, does not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent. The claim was denied as there is no evidence of recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, dislocated semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of locking pain and effusion into the joint, limitation of flexion to 30 degrees, or limitation of extension to 20 degrees.

The Board determined that the veteran's right knee disability was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected left knee disability.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee strain and right foot strain have been denied as the evidence does not show any compensable functional impairment or symptoms that warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted, allowing the veteran's claim of service connection for a left knee disorder to be reopened.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic low back disorder and chronic right knee disorder. The claims are granted as both conditions were found to be related to incidents in service, though arthritis of these areas is not presumed due to a lack of continuity or evidence showing onset during service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee arthritis is aggravated by his service-connected right lower extremity disability, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a temporary total evaluation due to left knee surgery and increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support these claims.

The Board found that the veteran's current left knee disabilities are not related to a service-connected condition or due to an injury in service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran does not have current disabilities of the ankles, knees, or left hip that were incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a right wrist ganglion cyst and for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disorders. The evidence does not support the veteran's assertions that he currently suffers from these conditions as a result of his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right and left knee disabilities are secondary to his service-connected residuals of a right ankle sprain.

The Board has granted the appellant's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) by reason of needing the regular aid and attendance of another individual, finding that he is unable to protect himself from daily hazards due to severe mental incapacity. The housebound rate appeal was dismissed as moot since a greater benefit had already been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for arthritis of the hips, knees, and ankles but assigned no percent ratings as there is minimal degenerative change with slight limitation of motion in all joints.

The Board found that the earliest date for which service connection could be assigned was March 13, 1989. The veteran's claim for an earlier effective date was denied.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected left elbow disability and denied an increased rating for his right knee disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of chondromalacia patella and service connection for stomach, left knee, and ankle disorders due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to either service or a service-connected disability.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the veteran's current bilateral knee disorder and his active service, leading to a denial of the claim.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic low back disability related to service, and denied the claim for service connection. For the right knee bursitis, the Board determined that there was not enough evidence to support an increased rating beyond 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder, finding no medical evidence linking a current left knee disorder to symptoms noted in service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 due to a lack of causal connection between his claimed knee disabilities and VA medical treatment provided on April 4, 1998.