Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2000

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations and earlier effective dates were denied. The RO continued the maximum schedular evaluation for bilateral pes planus with shortening of the left lower extremity, but did not grant an increase in rating for lumbosacral strain or vitiligo dermatitis.

The veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that this rating is not supported by the evidence and denies his claim for an increased rating.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected left knee osteoarthritis, finding that a higher rating was not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a ruptured diaphragm and osteoarthritis of the spine. The claim for osteoarthritis of the spine was reopened, but the claim for residuals of a ruptured diaphragm remains denied.

The veteran's right knee disability, characterized by instability and arthritis, is rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for a left hip disability and right hip disability, finding that new evidence did not reopen the claim for left hip disability and that there was no well-grounded claim for right hip disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for malaria, a right hip disability, and a right leg disability. The evidence did not establish current diagnoses or a link to military service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound was denied due to his current disability rating of 100% for schizophrenia, which does not meet the criteria for additional disabilities independently ratable at 60%, nor is he substantially confined to his home.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee injury and cutaneous numbness of the left lateral knee, finding that there is no evidence of exfoliation, exudation or itching on an exposed surface or extensive area for chronic dermatitis.

The veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and his lipoma of the left lateral lumbar area does not meet criteria for a compensable rating.

The veteran's left shoulder disability was granted a 30% evaluation effective November 6, 1997. His post-operative left knee internal derangement residuals were granted a 20% evaluation effective April 29, 1999 for the period between March 2, 1992 and April 28, 1999; and a separate 20% evaluation was assigned for the period after that. The veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is currently rated at 10%.

The veteran's claim for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted with an effective date of March 31, 1986. The TDIU rating is based on the veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right knee was denied by the RO. The claims for service connection for a back condition due to inservice spinal tap and as secondary to the service-connected right knee disability were not addressed.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection are well grounded, and to this extent, the appeals are granted.

The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected left knee disability, currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board found that the appellant is not blind or nearly blind, in a nursing home, or permanently housebound by reason of disability. Therefore, she does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension at the housebound rate was denied as his chronic disabilities did not meet the criteria for such benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with facet joint arthropathy was incurred in active service, and granted his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current disability related to the veteran's service, and thus his claims for multiple joint pain, residuals of right hand injury, bilateral leg disability, osteoarthritis of the right elbow, and stomach problems are not well-grounded.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right ankle arthritis is related to his in-service injury, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The claim of service connection for poor circulation in both legs is not well-grounded as there is no competent evidence linking it to service. The claim of service connection for bilateral pes planus is also not well-grounded due to the preexisting nature of the disorder.