Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected gunshot wound residuals of the left foot and chest region are denied. The issue of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a gunshot wound of the 'left' chest region is deferred.

The Board found that the veteran's left knee disability, post-total knee arthroplasty, did not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent due to limited functional impairment and no evidence of severe painful motion or weakness.

The Board found that the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for osteoarthritis of the hands and ankles is not well grounded, as there is no evidence of current disability or in-service injury related to these conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO found that new evidence did not support reopening the claim for hypertension, and that there was no basis to grant increased ratings for his low back disability or gout.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his cervical spine, lumbar spine, and hiatal hernia disabilities have been denied. The RO has determined that the evidence does not support a higher evaluation for any of these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the relationship between the appellant's service-connected rheumatic fever and his current arthritis.

The Board has denied the claim as the service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to the veteran's death.

The veteran has withdrawn their appeal, citing no specific issues or conditions for further consideration.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection of residuals of a left knee injury, head injury, and shoulder injury are not well-grounded. The appellant's left shoulder condition is found to be due to an in-service injury.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of reopening his arthritis claim, finding that new and material evidence had not been presented. The decision also noted that the veteran's arthritis was due to traumatic injuries sustained during active service.

The veteran's disabilities permanently preclude him from engaging in all forms of substantially gainful employment consistent with his age, education and work experience. Therefore, he is entitled to a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes.

The veteran's claims for increased rating and temporary total disability rating were denied by the RO. The issues of service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee and hearing loss are not properly before the Board.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including pain and numbness in the upper extremities, headaches, generalized osteoarthritis (claimed as arthritis of the whole body), sinusitis, asthma, and breathing problems. The appeals were based on direct evidence rather than a presumption or secondary to another condition.

The veteran's service-connected right shoulder arthritis is rated at 20 percent from June 5, 1996 to December 30, 1998.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for effective dates prior to June 6, 1984 for the assignment of disability ratings and service connection for his shell fragment wounds and lumbar spine condition.

The veteran's service connection for degenerative arthritis of the low back and hands is granted. The claim for hepatitis A is not well-grounded, as there is no medical evidence of current residuals. The evaluation for diabetes mellitus remains at 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to an evaluation in excess of the currently assigned ratings for his service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's spouse does not meet the criteria for special monthly death pension benefits due to need for aid and attendance or being housebound, as she is able to perform most daily functions without assistance.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent for service-connected left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or instability.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a low back injury, including low back arthritis, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking his current condition to an inservice injury.