Knee Board decisions

The Board finds that the veteran likely has current left hip disability manifested by pain and bony changes as a residual of an injury incurred during his period of service. The Board also finds it is at least as likely as not that he has current dyshidrotic eczema of the hands that developed during service.

The Board found no evidence of a bilateral knee injury or disease during active service, and the veteran's current bilateral knee disorder is not shown to be related to his service-connected left foot disability. Therefore, service connection for a bilateral knee condition was denied.

The Board dismissed the appeal due to lack of jurisdiction.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disorder, finding that there was no basis to assign a higher schedular evaluation based on arthritis and limitation of motion.

The Board found that the veteran's pre-existing right knee condition did not increase in pathology beyond normal progression during his service, and thus denied service connection.

The Board has granted the reopening of the claim for service connection for a seizure disorder. The claims for service connection for psychiatric disability, degenerative joint disease of the spine, bilateral knee condition, and dental condition have been denied. The total rating for compensation purposes based on individual unemployability was also denied.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of September 19, 1996 for a 10 percent evaluation of the left knee disability and found that new and material evidence supports reopening the claims for service connection for headaches and an acquired psychiatric disorder including depression.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for arthritis of bilateral knees, which was previously denied. The veteran's claim is now reopened.

The RO denied increased ratings for the veteran's left knee disability and gastroesophageal disorder. The RO granted a 20 percent rating for the left knee disability, effective from April 6, 1999.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of a left knee disorder characterized as epidermal wart of the left medial knee and an increased disability evaluation for residuals of a left (minor) shoulder injury with scar, finding no evidence linking these conditions to his active service or any incident thereof.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a right knee disorder. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for low back disability is remanded.

The veteran seeks an earlier effective date for the award of service connection for a right knee disability. The RO must consider both issues together and ensure that all notification and development action required by the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 is completed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and increased evaluation, finding no evidence of a prior claim before February 2, 1998.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for increased ratings and special monthly compensation due to incomplete medical records and inadequate examination reports. The RO is instructed to obtain all relevant treatment records, provide the veteran with appropriate notification of his rights under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA), and ensure that all necessary development has been completed.

The Board found that the veteran's current left and right knee degenerative arthritis were not incurred or aggravated during his periods of active service.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and denied increased ratings for the right ankle and knee disabilities. The veteran's conditions were found to be due to his military service, but no new evidence was presented to reopen a previously denied claim.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to fully and fairly consider the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and ensuring compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The veteran's nonservice-connected disabilities, including his right eye disorder and degenerative joint diseases of the lumbar and cervical spines, prevent him from working. However, he is not found to be permanently and totally disabled due to these conditions.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for his left knee disorder, currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of the veteran's condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a left knee disability. The veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by his military service, resulting in current osteoarthritis of the left knee.