Knee Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of right knee osteoarthritis and service connection for left knee disorder and back disability secondary to right knee disability. The RO found that no higher rating was warranted based on the evidence.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected knee disabilities do not warrant higher ratings based on instability or arthritis, and thus denied both issues.

The veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation for her service-connected chondromalacia of the left knee is being remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration of diagnostic codes based on loss of range of motion.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for another VA examination to assess the severity of his condition and determine if he is entitled to a separate rating for arthritis.

The veteran's claim for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or special home adaptations is denied because he does not meet the criteria for such benefits under the law.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for secondary service connection for a right knee disorder and an increased rating for residuals of fracture of the left femur with shortening of the left lower extremity.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for recurrent right knee sprain, an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for chorioretial atrophy of the eyes, and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine. The case is remanded to obtain updated medical records and conduct further examinations.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral knee conditions do not meet the criteria for reentrance into a program of vocational rehabilitation under Chapter 31, Title 38, United States Code.

The Board found that the veteran's compensation benefits were properly reduced to a 10% rating effective August 3, 1996 due to his incarceration for more than 60 days following conviction of a felony. The overpayment created by this reduction was not against equity and good conscience.

The Board has determined that the veteran's chronic right and left knee disabilities were incurred in service, while his mucocutaneous infection is not related to service.

The Board denied increased ratings for osteoarthritis/synovitis in the right knee and mild instability in the right knee, finding that the current ratings adequately reflect the veteran's disability.

The RO denied the veteran's claims for a permanent and total rating for nonservice-connected pension benefits, as well as his claim for service connection for PTSD. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical evaluations and information.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings of his left knee and right thumb disabilities were denied as the current evaluations are already at their maximum allowable under VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's degenerative joint disease of the left knee, patellar shaving and partial medial meniscectomy based on limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current low back disability or chronic knee disabilities, and therefore service connection cannot be granted. The RO's original ratings for right and left knee pain syndromes are upheld at 10 percent.

The veteran's right knee lateral collateral ligament reconstruction is rated at 30 percent disabling, and his service-connected right knee traumatic arthritis (previously rated as 10%) is rated at 10 percent. The veteran also has a non-service connected right knee scar rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability warrants a 20 percent evaluation, reflecting chronic instability and degenerative arthritis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his L5 spondylolysis and right knee patella femoral syndrome, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 10 percent for either condition.

The veteran's claim for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or other conveyance and necessary adaptive equipment was denied due to the lack of evidence showing loss or permanent impairment of use of one or both feet or hands, or permanent impairment of vision of both eyes.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a video-conference hearing before a member of the Board.