Knee Board decisions

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's right knee disorder, finding that the manifestations of his condition were reflective of painful motion and functional loss due to pain.

The Board found that the veteran's tinnitus began during service and granted service connection for it. For his right knee disorder, the Board determined there was no evidence of a current disability at the time of the June 1996 rating decision, but granted service connection based on continuity of symptomatology from service to present. The initial rating for the right knee disorder prior to September 3, 1998, was granted as 10 percent disabling.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not show any more than slight impairment in his right knee and left metatarsal conditions.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (Board) has determined that the veteran's left knee osteoarthritis was incurred as a result of active service and granted the claim for service connection.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his hydrarthrosis of the left knee, finding that the medical evidence did not support a higher evaluation than the current 20 percent.

The Board found that the evidence submitted by the veteran since the RO's July 1972 decision is not new and material, as it does not provide competent medical evidence to show that his right knee disability was incurred or aggravated during service. As a result, the claim for reopening of the previously denied claim for service connection for right knee disability is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 25, 1971 for special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(n) on account of anatomical loss of both lower extremities so near the hip as to prevent use of prosthetic appliances, finding that the April 16, 1969 rating decision was not clearly and unmistakably erroneous.

The Board has determined that there is no etiological relationship between the veteran's right hip, lumbar spine and bilateral hip disabilities with his service-connected left knee and left ankle disabilities.

The Board denied entitlement to a compensable disability rating for patellofemoral syndrome of the right and left knees.

The Board found no evidence of more than slight impairment from recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, and no limitation of motion that would warrant a higher rating. The veteran's right knee disability is currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling under DC 5257.

The veteran's increased ratings for right knee, left ankle, and left foot disabilities were denied. The TDIU claim was also denied.

The VA denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's right knee disability, which includes residuals from a meniscectomy and degenerative joint disease. The evidence showed moderate functional impairment without severe impairment.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's post-operative residuals of a total right knee arthroplasty, finding that the current 30 percent rating adequately reflects his disability.

The Board finds that there is no evidence supporting a secondary service connection for the veteran's bilateral knee, bilateral hip, and right ankle arthritis to his service-connected left ankle arthritis. The preponderance of the evidence does not support this claim.

The veteran does not have any current diagnosed disabilities of the wrists, knees, or lumbar spine. The Board finds that service connection for these conditions cannot be granted as there is no evidence of a current disability.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral knee replacements have resulted in a total disability rating, allowing him to receive compensation for unemployability due to his disabilities.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disability was not incurred or aggravated by active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for low back disability and granted it. The veteran's current low back disability, including lumbar disc disease and arthritis of the lumbar spine, is considered to be incurred in service. Service connection was also granted for degenerative joint disease of both knees.

The VA determined that there is no evidence linking the veteran's current knee, back, and gallbladder issues to her service. The Board found that her claims were not well grounded.

The Board found no objective evidence of a right leg injury in service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection due to lack of an in-service injury.