Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee, left shoulder, and inguinal hernia. The evidence did not support a finding that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or due to being housebound has been remanded by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The RO is instructed to obtain relevant records from the Social Security Administration, schedule a VA aid and attendance/housebound examination, and contact private medical providers who completed VA Forms 21-2680.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis as secondary to the veteran's service-connected residuals of a total right knee replacement. The rating for residuals of a total right knee replacement remains at 30 percent prior to December 8, 2003.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and entitlement to a total compensation rating based on individual unemployability were denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Board denied a claim for an increased evaluation for relaxation of the collateral ligaments of the left knee, finding that the veteran's total left knee arthroplasty was related to his nonservice-connected degenerative arthritis and not aggravated by or accelerating his service-connected ligament disability.

The Board denied an increased rating for varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, left leg and denied service connection for degenerative arthritis, left knee. The appellant was not provided a statement of the case regarding his denial of service connection for degenerative arthritis, left knee.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, right shoulder impingement, degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, status post foraminotomy and diskectomy, lumbar strain, degenerative arthritis of the hands, and degenerative arthritis of the knees, are related to service. The Board has granted these claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than June 3, 1994 for special monthly pension at the housebound rate. The earliest evidence suggesting entitlement to this benefit was a letter from the veteran received by the RO on June 3, 1994.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration of both old and new criteria.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee disabilities, finding that the current evaluations of 30 percent and 10 percent are appropriate based on the symptoms described.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The headaches claim is denied as the evidence does not show characteristic prostrating attacks, while the low back and neck disability claims are based on the current rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the veteran's osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine is service-connected, with reasonable doubt resolved in favor of the claimant. However, there is no evidence of current arthritis in other joints such as cervical, lumbar, hips, feet, ankles, knees, or shoulders.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and back pathology with arthritis of the lumbar spine. The case is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression with memory loss, chronic diarrhea, cervical spine disability, and skin rash as they did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD or were not linked to his in-service stressors. The diagnoses offered have been depression.

The Board found that the bilateral factor was properly applied to the veteran's service-connected disabilities of the lower extremities. The veteran did not initiate a timely appeal regarding the effective date for his left knee disorder.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected osteoarthritis of the left and right knees were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 10 percent or 20 percent, respectively, for the periods specified.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension and found it was incurred as a result of service. The veteran's other claims, including those related to degenerative arthritis and undiagnosed illness, are remanded for further development.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including hip and knee disabilities, headaches, memory loss, hypertension, vision problems, skin conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome, and libido issues. The appeal was reopened on new evidence.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis, finding that it is not related to his service-connected thyroidectomy with hypothyroidism.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for special monthly death pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance, finding that she does not meet the criteria due to her ability to perform daily activities without assistance.