Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2001

The Board has granted an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the right wrist, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated at the minimum level of disability, with no further increase in ratings granted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection due to new and material evidence. The Board also found that a cervical spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, was incurred during active service.

The Board has restored the appellant's 10% disability rating for bronchitis from November 7, 1996. The issues of service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee and secondary service connection for left knee disorder are remanded for further development.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings for arthritis in the hands, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and osteoarthritis of the lumbar and thoracic spine. The evaluations were found to be appropriate based on the current functional impairment.

The Board denied increased evaluations for degenerative arthritis of the left knee and plantar fasciitis with a calcaneal spur of the left foot, as both conditions are rated at their maximum compensable levels.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left knee disability, characterized by limitation of motion and pain, warrants a rating of 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 5003-5261.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, status post decompressive laminectomy, warrants a disability evaluation in excess of 40 percent.

The veteran's service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine, as well as left elbow, is granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and osteoarthritis of the knees. The claim for hemorrhagic fever was reopened but not granted.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for spinal arthritis and granted service connection for post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that the presumption applies due to his status as a former POW.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a low back disorder, but denied service connection for asthma. The veteran's current hearing loss is considered to be related to noise exposure during military service. For the low back disorder, the Board found that there was no clear evidence of injury in service, but accepted the veteran's account of an injury and granted service connection based on a finding of equipoise.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's post-operative right knee condition, currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of dengue fever and a right ankle disorder due to lack of new and material evidence. The case is remanded for further development.

The VA determined that the veteran's lumbosacral spine disability, which includes a stress fracture of the left sacrum and grade I spondylolisthesis with osteoarthritis on the right sacroiliac joint, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 40 percent.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the hands, knees, and spine due to new evidence submitted. The case is being remanded for further development including obtaining treatment records from Dr. Durham and scheduling a VA examination.

The veteran's claim for service connection is being remanded due to the need for additional development under the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000.

The Board has determined that the veteran is unemployable due to multiple disabilities, including chronic lumbar syndrome and degenerative joint disease. The evidence shows he suffers from a combination of conditions that prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.