Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2001

The appellant is permanently and totally disabled due to his psychiatric condition, resulting in moderate occupational impairment, and several permanent disabilities that render him unable to work. A permanent and total disability rating for nonservice-connected pension purposes has been granted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for Paget's disease and osteoarthritis, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine. The issue of whether new and material evidence was submitted to reopen his claim for left shoulder disability is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis as secondary to the veteran's service-connected low back strain disability, and has also granted a 100 percent evaluation for major depression.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc degeneration and herniation, status post left L3-4 diskectomy and L7 foraminotomy warrants a rating no higher than 40 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected low back strain with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine, finding that the evidence does not warrant a higher rating under applicable VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly dependency and indemnity compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board has determined that the current disability ratings for left cubital tunnel syndrome with left medial epicondylitis, osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine, and pseudofolliculitis barbae are appropriate.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for a right flank disorder. However, the evidence does not support a finding that the current right flank or hip disorders are related to service.

The veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 1, 1999, for the payment of additional compensation for his spouse and four children is denied. The VA awarded him a dependency allowance effective April 1, 1999, based on information provided by the veteran in April 1999.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for osteoarthritis of both knees, finding that the evidence did not support a compensable evaluation based on current symptoms and findings.

The Board has granted a 30 percent rating for the veteran's left shoulder disability, which is characterized by severe degenerative arthritis and restricted range of motion.

The veteran's claims for secondary service connection and service connection were denied. The initial rating for degenerative arthritis of the right hip remains at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left knee chondromalacia and degenerative arthritis of the patellofemoral joint had their onset in service, granting service connection for a left knee disorder.

The Board has determined that the residuals of a left ankle fusion meet the criteria for a 30 percent rating.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the lower back, neck, and upper and lower extremities as not related to exposure to cold in service. The Board also denied service connection for residuals of cold injury of the hands due to lack of current disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's herniated nucleus pulposus, status-post laminectomy does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation than the current 40 percent rating.

The Board granted an effective date of July 31, 1992 for the assignment of a compensable rating (10%) for the veteran's service connected lumbar spine disability. The Board also granted a 20% evaluation from February 3, 1994.

The VA granted the veteran's claim for service connection for cervical spine strain with degenerative arthritis, assigning a 10% evaluation effective June 1, 2000. The decision also addressed the veteran's claim for malocclusion with TMJ dysfunction and granted it.