Knee Board decisions

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected right knee disorder and psychogenic pain disorder, finding that neither condition warranted a rating higher than the current assigned ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee and left knee do not warrant a compensable rating, as they are manifested by pain but no functional limitation or instability. The scoliosis of the thoracic spine with neck pain is also not supported by evidence showing more than normal symptoms.

The veteran's bilateral knee arthritis is not productive of limitation of motion, and he does not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating.,From February 1992 to May 1, 1996, the veteran's right knee disorder was symptomatic but did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. From May 1, 1996 onwards, his right knee disorder is not productive of any symptoms and does not warrant a higher rating.,From February 1992 to April 1996, the veteran's left knee disorder was symptomatic but did not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation. From April 1996 to August 1999, his left knee disorder met the criteria for a 20 percent rating. After August 1999, his left knee disorder does not warrant a higher rating.,The veteran's service connection is based on direct evidence of impairment rather than any presumption or secondary condition.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's right knee disability and left Achilles repair, finding that his conditions did not warrant a higher rating based on current clinical evidence.

The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date of September 21, 1995 for a 20 percent rating for residuals of internal derangement of the right knee. The veteran's claim was filed within one year of this decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability, chronic sinusitis, hemorrhoids, varicose veins, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and bilateral knee disorder are all service-connected. A compensable evaluation of 10% is granted for macular degeneration and retinal tear of the left eye.

The veteran's left knee disability, currently rated at 10 percent disabling, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability. The current evaluation adequately compensates his level of disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining relevant medical records and arranging for VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of any knee disability and hearing loss. The claims will be reconsidered based on the additional evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5259, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of this rating.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for sensorineural hearing loss and left knee arthrotomy with arthritic changes were denied due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disorder, including arthritis, was not incurred or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected right and left knee disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right shoulder disorder, right knee disorder, stress fractures of both legs, and skin disorders. The RO found that the assigned ratings were appropriate based on the evidence of record.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board found that the veteran's disabilities, both service and nonservice-connected, prevented him from successfully pursuing a vocational rehabilitation program and becoming gainfully employed in an occupation consistent with his abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Therefore, the claim for retroactive payment of Chapter 31 benefits was denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance, finding that there was no evidence showing his outergarments were irreparably damaged due to a service-connected condition or that he wore a prosthesis or orthopedic appliance that tended to wear out his clothing.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a VA examination to assess the severity of her left knee disability. The case will be reviewed again to determine if a higher rating can be granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee disability, left ankle disability, and anxiety disorder due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back, right knee, and right hip disorders are not related to his service or a service-connected condition. However, he was granted service connection for residuals of a fracture of the right great toe with traumatic arthritic changes.