Knee Board decisions

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have been evaluated based on their current manifestations. The Board has determined that the currently assigned ratings are appropriate for all issues addressed.

The VA has denied increased ratings for the appellant's service-connected degenerative joint disease of L4-L5, L5-S1 with disc narrowing; fracture of the lateral malleolus of the left fibula; and moderate chronic neck pain. The current evaluations are considered appropriate.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, finding new and material evidence. The case is now remanded to determine if these conditions are related to service.

The Board found no evidence of permanent disability resulting from the October 1996 VA injection, and denied the veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The Board has determined that the veteran's PTSD, right knee disorder, and residuals of a head injury are all service-connected due to credible supporting evidence of in-service stressors.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for mechanical low back pain with bilateral knee pain and lower extremity numbness due to new evidence submitted since the July 1996 denial. The claim is now pending on its merits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee disability does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for residuals of a shell fragment wound to his right lower extremity is granted, and he also receives special monthly compensation based on the loss of use of both lower extremities.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disability warranted a 30 percent evaluation on and after December 1, 1997. The RO had previously assigned a 20 percent rating for the period prior to October 2, 1996.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current right ankle disorder that was incurred or aggravated by service. The RO must attempt to locate and obtain additional service personnel records which may substantiate the veteran's claimed in-service disciplinary action related to substance abuse, as well as arrange for VA examinations of the veteran's mental status and his knees.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed in order to properly adjudicate the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical opinions and records.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection of a right knee replacement as secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The decision is based on evidence showing that the right knee condition was chronically worsened by the left knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a current disability with respect to bilateral hearing loss, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, or left foot disorder for VA benefits purposes. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss, right knee disorder, and right elbow disorder due to a lack of evidence demonstrating current disabilities.

The VA has granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected right knee disability, effective from March 2000.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such severity as to render him unemployable without regard to his advancing age or the presence of any nonservice-connected disorders.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his right total knee replacement and bilateral hearing loss, effectively preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.

The VA has granted increased ratings for the appellant's service-connected medical meniscus tear of the right knee and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, status post AICD/pacemaker placement. The current ratings are 10 percent for the knee disability and 30 percent for the heart disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for tinnitus, hyperbilirubinemia, and right knee scars must be remanded due to incomplete development of evidence.

The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected left knee chondromalacia of the patella, effective from June 1996. The right knee condition is rated at 0 percent.