Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2000

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the left hip and a 10 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the right hip, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to lack of evidence supporting his claims.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 10 percent for chondromalacia patella of the right and left knees, effective from September 8, 1997.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to inadequate examination findings. The RO must obtain VA orthopedic and neurologic evaluations, including range of motion testing and assessments of intervertebral disc syndrome (IDS), to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right knee disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation, as there are no chronic residuals of severe painful motion or weakness. The left knee disorder is found to be related to the service-connected right knee disorder.

The Board denied increased ratings for postoperative right meniscectomy tear with fracture at old screw site, postoperative right tibial tubercoplasty with osteoarthritis and laxity and instability of the right knee.

The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to insufficient examination findings. The case will be reviewed again after additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 17, 1997 for the increase in special monthly compensation for accrued benefit purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back symptoms are primarily due to a work-related injury in 1990 and age, rather than service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disorder, including osteoarthritis, was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service.

The Board has found the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left ankle injury and osteoarthritis to be well grounded. The RO must consider the veteran's claim for an increased rating for hypertension under both the old and new rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not well-grounded and denied his claims for service connection.

The Board has determined that the appellant's need for aid and attendance is established, granting her special monthly pension based on this need.

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder was not well-grounded due to lack of competent medical evidence linking his current osteoarthritis to service.

The Board denied an increased rating for lumbosacral strain, finding no current symptoms attributable to the service-connected condition and noting the presence of new diagnoses unrelated to the veteran's service connection.

The VA did not authorize the treatment at St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center, and there is no evidence that such authorization was provided by a VA employee or through any formal contract. The veteran received care for symptoms unrelated to his service-connected lumbar spine disorder.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected sacroiliac sprain with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and spondylolisthesis does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes was denied as his disabilities did not meet the criteria for such a rating.

The Board found that the appellant's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for aggravation of osteoarthritis of the right knee was not well-grounded and denied the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and a compensable evaluation for shell fragment wound scars of the left leg, to include the left knee. The claim for service connection was found not well-grounded due to lack of evidence linking current disability to military service. The claim for residuals of shell fragment wounds was denied as there were no indications of impaired function or tender/painful scarring.