Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2005

The veteran's bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome and PTSD were granted, with the right hand rated at 50% disabling, left hand at 20%, and PTSD at 30%. A TDIU was granted effective March 4, 1999. The decision also addressed higher ratings for his hands.

The case is being remanded to the RO for DRO review and scheduling of a hearing before a DRO. The appellant's request for a personal hearing at his request should be addressed.

The Board has granted a 10 percent disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the left knee, effective from the date of the initial grant of service connection. The claim for increased evaluation for left knee instability remains denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability is related to his service-connected knee disabilities and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a skin disorder and an increased evaluation for osteoarthritis of the left great toe. The veteran is not entitled to service connection for his claimed skin disorder, as there is no evidence linking it to service. For the left great toe condition, the RO must issue a statement of the case regarding the issue of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 20 percent.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a vocational evaluation to determine if the veteran can secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine, is not related to active service.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected low back sprain with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied by operation of law due to failure to report for VA medical examinations.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a medical examination and further consideration of his claim for a higher rating for his right knee disability.

The veteran's right knee disability is rated at 40 percent for degenerative arthritis and 20 percent for instability, resulting in a total rating of 40 percent.

The Board determined that new and material evidence had not been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability. The case was remanded due to deficiencies in notification and assistance under the VCAA.

The Board found that the veteran's current back disability is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for low back and bilateral knee disabilities, finding that these conditions are not related to his service-connected residuals of frostbite.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine with sciatic neuropathy, acid reflux, and chronic migraine headaches, are not related to his active military service. The veteran was granted service connection for chronic migraine headaches but denied for the other two conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right ankle, right knee, and left knee disorders as well as right epididymal cysts. The evidence did not show any new or material evidence to reopen his previously denied PTSD claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased disability rating for his service-connected left shoulder disability, service connection for a low back disability, and service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee. The RO found that there was no exceptional or unusual nature to the veteran's left shoulder disability warranting extraschedular consideration, and did not find any evidence of a current low back disability or osteoarthritis of the left knee.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and noting that any current condition is not related to service.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim for service connection of residuals of a head injury and also denied his claim for a combined disability evaluation greater than 90 percent.

The VA denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the cervical spine, finding that his disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling.