Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2003

The veteran's right knee disability, characterized by chondromalacia and degenerative arthritis, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on instability or subluxation, but noted x-ray findings of degenerative changes which warrant a separate rating under Diagnostic Code 5260.

The veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities have been evaluated based on their current symptoms, which do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his knee conditions.

The veteran's service connection claims for a back disorder (cervical and thoracic spines) are granted. Claims for bilateral knee, foot, and ankle disorders remain denied.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and granted a non-compensable rating for the scar of the right buttock.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a disability evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected spondylosis at L5/S1, finding that the condition is principally manifested by severe constant pain with intermittent muscle spasm and severe limitation of motion.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his right hip, low back, and right knee conditions were granted. The current evaluations of 20 percent, 10 percent, and 10 percent for these conditions are maintained.

The Board found that the veteran's hypertension, right knee degenerative arthritis, and right leg disability are related to service. The veteran served in combat-related duties and experienced injuries during his military service.

The Board has granted an increased evaluation to 20 percent for the appellant's service-connected back strain, low back pain with degenerative arthritis.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for chondromalacia of the left knee with arthritic changes, effective from September 1997. The veteran's service connection claims for a back injury and a neck condition are denied.

The veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent, effective July 23, 1998. His right knee disability remains at 40 percent. The veteran has indicated satisfaction with the current ratings for his left knee.

The veteran's service-connected right ankle disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and his service-connected right knee and left knee disabilities are each rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that these ratings are appropriate.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and thoracic spine, finding that it is related to the arthritis he was found to have within one year after his separation from active service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical spine disability, right knee chondromalacia and post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left knee chondromalacia and post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right sacroiliac joint arthritis of pelvic fracture residuals, and left sacroiliac joint arthritis of pelvic fracture residuals.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left and right knee total joint replacements due to osteoarthritis are related to service, with a finding of direct service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar scoliosis and associated degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, finding that the veteran's pre-existing condition was aggravated by her active military service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his left knee disabilities were denied. The RO found that the current evaluations did not accurately reflect the severity of his symptoms.

The veteran's service-connected lumbar spine myositis and degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating under the appropriate schedular criteria. The Board denied his claim for an increased disability rating.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities are not shown to be so disabling as to render him unable to care for his daily personal needs or protect himself from the hazards and dangers of daily living, without regular assistance.