Knee Board decisions

The Board has granted a separate 10 percent evaluation for chondromalacia of the left knee and arthritis, based on limitation of motion. The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for lateral instability or subluxation is denied as there is no more than slight impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for TMJ disease and a higher rating for his right knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus to service or a service-connected condition.

The veteran's residuals of left knee laceration with quadriceps tendinitis at patellar tendon insertion are currently rated as 10 percent disabling, reflecting the functional impairment due to pain and some structural abnormality without significant limitation in motion or instability.

The Board dismissed the veteran's claim of service connection for migraine headaches as no substantive appeal was filed. The right knee disability is currently rated at 20% since November 1, 1998.

The veteran's appeal is denied as he did not require a cast for immobilization of his left knee after January 31, 1999.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for his left and right knee disorders, finding that they more closely approximated the currently assigned 10 percent ratings.

The Board denied service connection for arthritis of the knees, finding that it was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not proximately due to a service-connected disability.

The veteran's initial disability evaluations for post-operative residuals of left knee ACL and medial collateral ligament injuries, degenerative joint disease of the left knee, and degenerative disc disease at L4-5 and S1 were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's vocational goal of becoming a gunsmith is reasonably feasible for purposes of entitlement to vocational rehabilitation and training under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee deformity, which was congenital and existed prior to service, did not become aggravated by his military service. As a result, the claim for service connection for this condition is denied.

The Board has denied an increased rating for residuals of right knee sprain and a prior effective date for the left knee arthritis with instability.

The Board found that the veteran's skin rash and lipomas are not related to his military service, but granted service connection for these conditions based on direct evidence. The veteran was assigned a noncompensable disability rating.

The veteran does not have current disabilities of the left foot, right knee, or left knee that are attributable to disease or injury incurred in service. The Board finds no evidence supporting these claims.

The veteran seeks compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a left knee disability, which he contends worsened after VA treatment in 1985. The RO denied the claim as not well grounded and has now been remanded to provide additional development.

The veteran's combined non-service-connected disability rating is 70 percent, which does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a left shoulder disorder and bilateral knee arthritis, finding no evidence of such conditions during or related to his military service.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require a program of vocational rehabilitation under chapter 31, as his education and work experience are sufficient to find suitable employment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, psychiatric disorders other than PTSD, bilateral knee and ankle disabilities, right ear disability, bilateral hip and shoulder disabilities. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's cervical spine osteophytes with radiculopathy and has assigned a 20% rating. The ratings for the right knee, left knee, hypertension, and low back condition are all in accordance with current regulations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar strain, bilateral knee disorders, and right elbow strain.