Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2000

The veteran's recognized active service does not include status as a POW, and there is no reasonable basis to question the finding of the service department that he was not a POW. The appeal for recognition as a former POW for VA purposes is denied.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and did not address the claim of increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine with radiculitis to the right hip as it was not raised in this appeal.

The veteran's service-connected right lower extremity disability, including osteoarthritis of the right knee and traumatic arthritis of the right ankle, is currently rated at 20 percent disabling.

The Board found that the veteran's claims for service connection were not well-grounded and denied them.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the right knee with total arthroplasty warrants a 60 percent rating, reflecting significant functional impairment and pain.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable evaluation for his service-connected residuals of a fracture of the left ring finger, with osteoarthritis. The disability is currently rated as noncompensable.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and cold injury residuals. The evidence does not support a finding of current disability related to these conditions during or within one year after service.

The veteran's severe arthritis, which was service-connected, substantially contributed to his death from cardiorespiratory arrest.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a compensable rating for his service-connected residuals of a left knee injury, scar, finding that there were no manifestations of ulceration, pain, or limitation of motion related to this condition.

The Board has determined that the claim is well-grounded and grants service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left knee as a residual of an inservice injury.

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 has remanded the case for further action, including a new VA examination and consideration of whether service connection should be granted for lumbosacral disc syndrome.

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 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 of Veterans' Appeals has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, finding no evidence to support these conditions in relation to his military service.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee. The current ratings are at their maximum allowed under VA regulations.

The RO denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected chronic lumbo-thoracic fasciitis, currently rated at 40 percent.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for special monthly DIC benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her disabilities, finding that she does not meet the criteria for either benefit.

The Board denied a rating in excess of the combined 40 percent for left lower extremity disorders, finding that the current ratings were appropriate and no extraschedular evaluation was warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder, prostate disorder, and degenerative arthritis of the left knee are not well-grounded. The evidence does not support a diagnosis or current disability for any of these conditions.