Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2004

The veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities, as well as his left median carpal tunnel syndrome (minor), were rated based on their current manifestations. The RO granted increased ratings for the knees but denied an increase in rating for the carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hip and knee disabilities are not related to his military service, including the shell fragment wound he sustained in April 1970. Degenerative joint disease of the hips was not diagnosed within one year of his discharge. The claim for increased rating for PTSD was granted.

The veteran's right knee strain is rated at 10 percent due to degenerative arthritis, and his service-connected left knee disability does not warrant a higher rating. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to medical controversies regarding the presence and etiology of arthritis in both hips, as well as clarification on whether a current gastrointestinal disorder exists.

The veteran's right knee disorder, post arthrotomy with degenerative arthritis, is currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on pain, subluxation, lateral instability, or limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected myalgia of the right trapezius muscles with cervical spondylosis warrants a 20 percent rating since April 6, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for low back disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of pneumonia, a lumbar spine disorder, bilateral avascular necrosis of the hips, and cardiovascular disease. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and other applicable laws, regulations, and VA guidance. The claims are being remanded for further action.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right knee disorder with osteoarthritis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA orthopedic examination and consideration of whether a separate evaluation based on residuals of removal of the lateral meniscus should be granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee instability warrants a rating of 20 percent, but his degenerative arthritis does not warrant an increased rating.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected left knee disorder, which includes arthritis with limitation of motion and instability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the evidence, including VA examinations to address service connection and employment issues.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disorder is not related to service or a service-connected condition, and thus denied his claim for service connection. The rating for residuals of fracture of bone in the left hand remains unchanged as there is no evidence supporting an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected conditions do not warrant a compensable evaluation for any period since September 1, 1996.

The case is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining records from the Social Security Administration and ensuring all notification and development actions required by law are fully satisfied.

The Board found no evidence to support a service connection for the veteran's degenerative arthritis and stenosis of the lumbar spine, concluding that there was insufficient medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's cervical spine disorders did not develop as a result of his service-connected shell fragment wound to the posterior neck, and thus denied secondary service connection.

The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left wrist is being remanded due to procedural deficiencies in VCAA notice.

The Board has denied a rating greater than 30 percent for moderately severe ligamentous instability of the right knee joint with severe quadriceps atrophy.,The Board has also denied a rating greater than 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right knee.