Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2002

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for various musculoskeletal conditions have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a right knee injury and degenerative arthritis, finding that the veteran's service medical records are void as to treatment or diagnosis of any knee injuries. The Board concluded that while an in-service injury occurred, there is no evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptoms during or immediately after service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hepatitis as secondary to his right knee disorder and denied his requests for increased ratings for his right knee disorder. The evidence did not support a finding that the veteran's current hepatitis or right knee disorders were related to military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected deep venous thrombosis contributed to his death from pseudomonas sepsis and other conditions.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, osteoarthritis, and prostate cancer. The Board found that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board denied increased evaluations for the veteran's right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support ratings higher than the current ones.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities, finding that the current manifestations do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted an effective date of September 9, 1998 for the award of TDIU and denied entitlement to specially adapted housing.

The Board granted an increased rating for left ankle eversion with degenerative arthritis, effective prior to December 10, 1998, based on the pre-aggravation disability.

The Board determined that the veteran did not file an adequate substantive appeal for his claims of service connection and nonservice-connected pension benefits, thus dismissing these issues.

The veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected herniated disc L2-3 with osteoarthritis, lumbar facets and obsessive compulsive disorder have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeals.

The VA has granted a 20 percent disability evaluation for the veteran's right knee injury and denied service connection for his left knee osteoarthritis, which is considered secondary to his right knee condition.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating for his back conditions were denied. The Board found that inflammatory polyarthritis was not incurred or aggravated in wartime service, and may not be presumed to have been incurred or aggravated in wartime service. For the traumatic arthritis of the lumbar spine, the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Board granted an effective date of January 18, 1995 for the veteran's entitlement to a Total Disability Rating based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The veteran's claims for service connection for heart disease, osteoarthritis (claimed as rheumatism), residuals of an injury to the chest, arms, and legs, and bronchitis were denied because there is no current disability or evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar strain with early osteoarthritis warrants a 40 percent disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for post-traumatic stress disorder and denied service connection for degenerative arthritis and disc disease of the lumbar spine. Service connection was not established for hearing impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the knees and stomach disorder, finding no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service.