Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for scoliosis and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, as well as bipolar affective disorder. The decision found that scoliosis pre-existed service and was not aggravated by service. Degenerative changes in the lumbar spine were first noted post-service, and there is no evidence linking them to service. Bipolar affective disorder was diagnosed after service but without a clear link to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the back and degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder, but further development is needed before a final decision can be made.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for further development, including an examination and readjudication of the issues.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to the need for VCAA compliance.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his gunshot wound residuals and degenerative changes of the hip joint, finding that the current evaluations adequately reflected the severity of his disabilities.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the right shoulder is being remanded due to incomplete evaluation and need for additional medical examination.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination of his lumbar spine disability and an SOC on the right knee disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's chronic thoracic spine disorder, finding that it is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected right and left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran's spine disabilities were 10 percent disabling more than a year prior to July 27, 1994. Therefore, effective dates of July 27, 1994 are granted for the initial evaluations.

The veteran's claim for service connection for polysubstance abuse is denied as it falls under a legal prohibition due to the nature of the condition.

The veteran's erectile dysfunction due to testicular atrophy is granted as service-connected. The veteran's PTSD, which is also service-connected, warrants a 50 percent disability rating. The veteran meets the criteria for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left shoulder dislocation and osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees.

The veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder, right knee, and left knee have been granted increased ratings to 20 percent each.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left hip injury, back strain, and acquired mental disorder are related to her active service. The conditions were found to be directly related without any presumption or secondary connection.

The Board has reviewed the claims for service connection for peptic ulcer disease, hemorrhoids, and residuals of a low back injury as well as rating issues. The RO denied these claims and ratings in excess of 20 percent each for cervical strain and C-5 radiculopathy.

The Board denied entitlement to an increased disability rating for the veteran's service-connected left clavicle fracture with bony deformity and degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder, as well as his claim for service connection for a neurological impairment of the left upper extremity that was secondary to his service-connected residuals of the left clavicle fracture.

The Board finds that additional development is necessary due to the veteran's claim of service connection for a fracture of the right leg, with shortening and foot, ankle, knee, and low back residuals. The case is being remanded to ensure full and complete compliance with the enhanced duty-to-notify and duty-to-assist provisions enacted by the VCAA.

The Board is considering whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's previously denied claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine. If such evidence is found, it will determine if the claim should be granted based on the merits or not.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating from 30 percent for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right ankle, to include special monthly compensation for loss of use of the right foot, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination.