Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2003

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disorder and did not reopen his previously denied claim. The claim for an increased rating for gunshot wound residuals, lateral right arm, Muscle Group V, was also denied as there is no evidence of severe impairment.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current disabilities, including osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, skin disorders, and distal arterial occlusive disease, are not related to his active military service. Therefore, he is not entitled to service connection for these conditions.

The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for the veteran's service-connected low back disability prior to October 25, 2000 and a higher initial rating from that date.

The Board denied service connection for a back disability, finding that the veteran's current spinal disorder did not have its onset during active service and was not linked to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and procedural issues, requiring further examination and evidence collection.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, a back condition, bilateral hip and leg conditions as secondary to a back condition, residuals of cold weather trauma, left knee and left hand conditions. The appellant was not diagnosed with these conditions during service or due to exposure to environmental factors.

The VA denied a request for an increased rating for cervical sprain with osteoarthritis, currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 20 percent for osteoarthritis of the right and left ankles with limitation of motion.

The Board found that the veteran's osteoarthritis and respiratory disorder were not incurred or aggravated by service, nor due to an undiagnosed illness as a result of service during the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability, characterized as post-operative residuals of a meniscectomy with instability, meets the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5257.

The Board determined that the veteran's death was not caused by or a result of any service-connected disability, and thus denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral pes planus with fibrosis, plantar fasciitis, muscle strain, and chronic synovitis and degenerative arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joints is manifested by bilateral foot pain on manipulation and use but without significant deformity or characteristic callosities. The criteria for a rating greater than 10 percent are not met.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of both knees does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability warrants a 10 percent rating prior to March 1998, based on arthritis with painful motion and moderate recurrent subluxation or lateral instability.

The veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis and instability, warrants a separate rating of 10 percent for chondromalacia and another 10 percent for arthritis. The temporary total disability rating for convalescence after surgery is granted.

The Board has granted a 100% evaluation for the service-connected rheumatoid arthritis with degenerative arthritis, involving multiple joints, due to its total incapacitating nature.

The Board has granted a rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, effective from July 31, 1996. The ratings for the other conditions remain at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and back disability are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of in-service injury or disease leading to these conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound, finding that he did not meet the criteria for either condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for thoracic scoliosis and degenerative arthritis, finding that there is no evidence to support a secondary relationship between these conditions and his service-connected Kienbock's disease.