Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2003

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 VA denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his left total knee replacement and right knee disorder, finding that the evidence did not support ratings higher than the current 30 percent and 20 percent assigned.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including ankylosing spondylitis and degenerative arthritis of the hips and left knee, have rendered him so helpless that he requires regular aid and attendance from another person. The Board has granted special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, arteriosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease of the legs, and conjunctivitis are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbar osteoarthritis warrants a 20 percent rating, but not greater.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD and an increased rating for his right knee disability. The claim for PTSD was denied due to a lack of current diagnosis, while the right knee disability was rated at 10% based on arthritis with limitation of motion.

The Board found that the appellant's lower back symptoms, including degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis, are not related to any incident of his military service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability, finding that there was no evidence of such disabilities during his military service and insufficient medical evidence to link current knee conditions to service. The Board also noted that the veteran did not meet the criteria for an effective date earlier than December 5, 1995.

The Board granted service connection for aggravation of the veteran's nonservice-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis by his service-connected foot disabilities (pes planus, hammertoes, and hallux valgus with callosities). The veteran is entitled to a noncompensable rating for this condition.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the scar, residuals of an injury to the right anterior thigh and assigned a 10 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee, effective April 13, 1992. The claim for service connection for multiple joints including ankles, right knee and cervical and thoracic spine remains unresolved.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability is service-connected due to aggravation by his service-connected right knee disabilities. The claim for an increased rating for post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the right knee and instability remains denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of a chip fracture of the left lateral condyle with degenerative osteoarthritis of the non-dominant arm, finding that the disability did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's multiple joint pain due to an undiagnosed illness did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation than 20 percent.

The Board found that the initial evaluations for the veteran's right ankle and bilateral knee/shoulder conditions were proper, with no evidence of marked limitation or ankylosis. The veteran was granted separate 10 percent ratings for these conditions effective December 2, 1995.

The Board denied the veteran's request to restore a previously assigned 60 percent disability rating for his right total knee replacement, finding that the reduction from 60 percent to 30 percent was proper.

The veteran's service-connected right leg amputation and left shoulder condition do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation due to loss of use of one upper extremity (left) and one lower extremity (right).

The Board found no current disability related to exposure to cold during service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of cold injury, including degenerative arthritis.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the basic eligibility requirements for a grant for automobile allowance as they do not include loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet, hands, or vision.

The Board found that the veteran's degenerative arthritis of the right hip did not meet the criteria for a higher disability evaluation, as it did not result in limitation of motion or involvement of two major joints.