Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2004

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the left knee and ankle are being remanded due to procedural issues, including a need for proper VCAA notice and a new VA examination.

The veteran claims that his service-connected back disorder caused or aggravated his left hip disorder. The case is being remanded for further development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of cold injury, rheumatoid and/or osteoarthritis, and peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right eye scar, left shoulder arthritis, and left arm disability are all related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current 20 percent disability rating for chondromalacia of the right patella is appropriate, and a separate 10 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the right knee is also granted.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or necessary special home adaptations due to lack of evidence showing loss of use of one or both lower extremities.

The Board has granted service connection for valvular heart disease, finding it incurred during active service. The remaining issues of sleep apnea, neuropathy, disability of the central nervous system, and other conditions are remanded for further examination.

The VA determined that the veteran's left knee disability, which is already rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Codes 5259-5010, does not warrant a higher rating due to lack of evidence showing ankylosis, severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability, limitation of flexion to 15 degrees, or limitation of extension to 20 degrees.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The VA granted a 20 percent disability evaluation for the veteran's right ankle fracture residuals prior to July 26, 2002. The VA also denied service connection for a left knee disability secondary to the right ankle disability.

The VA denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the elbows and shoulder pain, finding no evidence linking these conditions to military service.,Service connection was also denied for an acquired psychiatric disorder manifested by insomnia. The VA found that there is insufficient evidence to link this condition to military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee disabilities and a psychiatric disability, finding no current evidence of these conditions. The low back disorder claim was also denied as there is no diagnosed condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD due to lack of verified stressors. The issues of service connection for residuals from a head injury, headaches, and osteoarthritis in both knees are pending and require additional examination.

The veteran's vocational rehabilitation claim is being remanded for further development and evaluation due to the addition of new evidence.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the appellant for VA examinations to determine the severity of his service-connected right and left wrist disabilities.

The Board has determined that the appellant's claims for service connection have been denied as new and material evidence has not been received to reopen them.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for left knee ACL repairs was granted, with a 20 percent rating effective January 1, 1997.,Service connection for left knee osteoarthritis was established and assigned a noncompensable rating from July 25, 1999. A 10 percent rating was assigned effective July 25, 1999.,The veteran's claim for service connection for left lower extremity scarring associated with ACL repair was granted, with a noncompensable rating effective July 25, 1995.

The Board has determined that the appellant is in need of regular aid and attendance due to her health conditions, including Arnold Chiari disorder, degenerative arthritis, and depression. As a result, she qualifies for special monthly dependency and indemnity compensation.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not have residuals of shell fragment wounds to the left knee or ankle, and therefore service connection for these conditions is denied. The scars from the left hand and thigh are evaluated as direct service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted an extension of the temporary total disability evaluation for the veteran's right knee meniscectomy residuals with osteoarthritis under the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 until January 20, 1999, based upon convalescence following a July 1998 surgical procedure.