Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2005

The veteran's bilateral cold injuries to the lower extremities have been granted initial evaluations of 30 percent each for residuals with pain, numbness, cold sensitivity, and arthralgia plus two or more of the following: tissue loss, nail abnormalities, color changes, locally impaired sensation, hyperhidrosis, x-ray abnormalities (osteoporosis, subarticular punched out lesions, or osteoarthritis).

The veteran's claims for increased ratings on residuals of a compression fracture at T-7 and cervical disc disease, status-post C-6 and C-7 fusion with nerve root compression were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic anemia, hypertension, and osteoarthritis, all secondary to his service-connected infectious hepatitis. The appeal is also denied regarding a compensable disability rating for infectious hepatitis.

The veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and bulging discs at L4-L5 and L5-S1 have been granted. The conditions are considered to be related to injury during service.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the assignment of a 10 percent disability rating for osteoarthritis and chondromalacia of the left knee, finding that no factually ascertainable increase in disability occurred within one year prior to the veteran's July 30, 1998 claim.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right knee condition, currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the benefit sought on appeal (service connection for left knee disorder, including degenerative arthritis) has been granted by the RO.

The veteran is seeking service connection for osteoarthritis of his left hip, leg, and foot as secondary to a gunshot wound he received in service. The RO has requested additional service medical records from the U.S. Army period of service but has not yet obtained them.

The Board has determined that the evidence submitted to reopen the claim is not new and material, thus denying the reopening of the claim for service connection for chondromalacia of the left knee with degenerative arthritis.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disability and degenerative arthritis, attributing these conditions to Agent Orange exposure during his military service. The VA found no evidence of such disabilities in service or any direct link between them and his military service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling the veteran for an orthopedic examination to assess his bilateral knee disorders.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder, diagnosed as advanced degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The evidence now shows that his current condition is likely related to his inservice injuries.

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability was granted, with separate evaluations of 40 percent and 20 percent assigned for orthopedic and neurologic manifestations respectively from September 23, 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including a chronic upper back disorder and right shoulder disability, were not incurred or aggravated by active military service.

The Board is remanding the case for further development and readjudication, including scheduling a hearing for the veteran and ensuring compliance with VCAA notification requirements.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection have been denied as there is no competent evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the knees and a lumbar condition, finding that there was no evidence to support these claims.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for chronic depression that is aggravated by his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the left knee.

The VA determined that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance due to his inability to perform basic activities of daily living without assistance.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability and a left knee disability, finding that the current conditions are not related to any in-service injury or condition.