Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2002

The Board has determined that no new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and bilateral knees (claimed as back and bilateral knee disability), and psoriasis. The RO previously denied these claims in January 1998 without a timely appeal.

The veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for bilateral knee osteoarthritis was denied as there is no evidence of limitation of motion or other functional impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar and thoracic spine osteoarthritis is related to injuries sustained in service, warranting service connection.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for service connection for a spinal disorder, arthritis, and shell fragment wound scars of the neck and left ear. The claim to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for an anxiety disorder was also denied.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance as he is able to care for his daily personal needs without assistance from others.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for left knee degenerative arthritis and partial medical meniscectomy with osteochondral defect over the medial femoral condyle, finding that these conditions meet the criteria for such evaluations based on their manifestations of pain and limited motion.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for cold injury residuals and osteoarthritis of the knees, as well as his attempt to reopen a claim for right ankle disorder. The evidence did not support these claims.

The veteran's conditions, while severe, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance due to his ability to care for himself with assistance from his son.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation of his left knee disability, finding that the current 10 percent evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his symptoms.

The veteran's cervical spine arthritis is rated at 10 percent.,Separate ratings of 10 percent each are assigned for the left shoulder, right hip, and left knee. The lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent.,A 10 percent rating is granted for the left hip from March 15, 1996 to December 11, 1996.,The veteran's right hip is rated at 20 percent effective from March 15, 1996.,For the period from March 15, 1996 to January 31, 2000, separate ratings of 10 percent are assigned for arthritis and impairment in both knees. For the period from February 1, 2000 forward, a rating of 20 percent is assigned for arthritis.,The veteran's left knee has been rated at 10 percent since March 15, 1996.,For the period from March 15, 1996 to January 31, 2000, a rating of 10 percent is assigned for arthritis and impairment in both knees. For the period from February 1, 2000 forward, a rating of 20 percent is assigned for arthritis.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or at the housebound rate was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his overall condition, which is not one of helplessness requiring the aid and attendance of another person.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for the left knee disability based on instability, and continues the 10 percent rating for the right knee disability.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his left tibia and fibula fracture, currently rated at 20 percent. The appeal is based on current manifestations of arthritis with pain and limited motion.

The Board has determined that the appellant's osteoarthritis of both knees, including right knee with total knee replacement and left knee, is likely attributable to his period of military service.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's service-connected anterior cruciate laxity, right knee, and osteoarthritis of the right knee.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was not incurred or aggravated by service, and is not proximately due to a service-connected disability. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for residuals of a right foot fracture. The veteran's injury in service was noted, but no residual disability was reported at separation or during subsequent VA examinations. Osteoarthritis of the right foot developed many years after service and is not presumed by law.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals has determined that the veteran's disabilities, including his left knee replacement and residuals of a cerebrovascular accident, render him unable to care for himself and perform tasks incident to daily living. The need for regular aid and attendance is established, granting special monthly pension benefits.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a neck and back injury, finding that the medical evidence did not establish a nexus between current disability and service.