Knee Board decisions

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disorders were denied. The RO awarded a 40% rating for the service-connected right knee disorder, but did not address the other issues raised in the appeal.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the left knee, in addition to the current 20 percent evaluation for instability of the left knee.

The veteran's right below-knee amputation is not considered an additional disability resulting from VA medical treatment, and thus his claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disorder secondary to the veteran's service-connected bilateral knee disability. The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right and left knees, as well as his sinusitis, have also been granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right knee disability, finding that the current 20 percent rating is appropriate given the lack of instability and moderate impairment.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right knee injury is denied as the evidence does not support such a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for a low back disability. The appellant's current low back disability is found to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee disability, and he also has a current right knee disability which is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board finds that the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the knees and hips are not well-grounded.,For her knee conditions, there is no current diagnosis of osteoarthritis. The hip condition has been diagnosed but there is no medical evidence linking it to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent for service-connected lumbar strain effective January 5, 1998. The veteran's claim for earlier effective date was denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected right knee disability, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's current diagnosis of chondromalacia patella is related to his service, and thus granted his claim for service connection.

The Board finds the veteran's claim well grounded and has fulfilled its duty to assist. The RO improperly reduced the evaluation assigned postoperative residuals of a left knee anterior cruciate ligament and medial meniscus tear from 20 to 10 percent, which is now restored.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected traumatic arthritis of the left knee. The Board has determined that additional development, including medical examinations and a review of the claims file, is needed to properly adjudicate this claim.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated based on their current functional impairment. The highest possible rating for each condition has been granted.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to active service. The claim for increased rating for left knee disability is pending.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluation of his right knee disorder, service connection for a left knee disorder (secondary to the right knee injury), and service connection for a left ankle disorder. The right knee disorder is currently rated at 20 percent disabling.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left knee as there was no competent medical evidence linking it to the veteran's period of active service.

The Board has granted service connection for osteochondrosis of the tibia with instability and arthritis in both knees, each assigned a 10 percent evaluation. The effective date is October 13, 1994.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for right knee instability is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis, right and left knee disabilities, and left and right ankle disabilities are rated as 10 percent disabling. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.