Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2004

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his dorsal spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of claims file.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine is being remanded due to changes in the relevant regulations concerning spine disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's left distal femoral fracture as secondary to his service-connected left thigh injury residuals. The increased rating claim is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee with left total knee replacement and assigned a compensable rating (10%) for the patella scar. The decision also denied an increased rating for the patella scar.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for osteoporosis and polyarthritis, finding that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran was unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities within one year prior to November 2, 2000. Therefore, an earlier effective date for TDIU is not warranted.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal of the appeal by the appellant's representative prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his lumbosacral spine disability was granted, with a current rating of 50 percent effective April 10, 2000.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current low back disability to service and denied his claim for a compensable evaluation for malaria. The veteran's claims were not granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional development.

The Board has granted an initial disability evaluation of 20 percent for residuals of a fractured right ankle, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected traumatic osteoarthritis of the spine with leg weakness is primarily manifested by marked restriction in range of motion, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The veteran's claims for initial evaluations of his service-connected disabilities were denied. The residuals of a fractured mandible do not warrant a compensable evaluation, the low back disorder is rated at 10 percent based on moderate intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks, and both knee and ankle conditions are each rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of recent medical evidence, including a VA examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for pes planus and service connection for osteoarthritis of his hips, finding that there was no persuasive medical evidence linking the hip arthritis to his service-connected pes planus.

The Board has determined that the current evaluation of the veteran's right knee laxity is not before it at this time and will be addressed separately. The appeal involves claims for secondary service connection for a low back disability, an increased rating for early degenerative arthritis of the right knee, and individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The veteran claims service connection for arthritis, which is related to his military service. However, the VA needs further examination and medical opinion to determine if there is a link between his current arthritic conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the claim for service connection for a right knee disability. The current evidence confirms the presence of a current right knee disability but does not establish a disease or injury in service or a link between such a condition and the veteran's current disability.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and bilateral knee/hip osteoarthritis, finding that there was no evidence of a direct relationship to his period of active service or to any service-connected conditions. The decision also noted that the veteran did not meet the requirements for TDIU.

The veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection decisions were made.