Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2005

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an earlier effective date and a higher rating for cervical spine disability, as well as his service connection claims for thoracic spine disorder, nerve damage to both lower extremities, pes planus, plantar warts of the feet with callous formation and residual scars, and bilateral hip disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence of current disabilities or new and material evidence to reopen previously denied claims.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to conflicting causes of death and need for a medical opinion on the relationship between the veteran's osteoarthritis and his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's application to reopen his claim for service connection for a low back disorder, finding that no new and material evidence has been submitted.

The Board found that the veteran's degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the lumbar spine did not have its onset or increase in severity during service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for multiple joint impairment, finding that the veteran's hypermobility syndrome with soft tissue rheumatism did not constitute a disability for which service connection may be granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left knee was incurred or aggravated in his active service and grants the claim for service connection.

The Board finds that the appellant's current lumbosacral spine, hip, and cervical spine disorders are related to his military service. The claim is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's claimed psychiatric disorder and right hand osteoarthritis.

The VA determined that the veteran's left knee disability, characterized by pain, swelling, and limited range of motion, does not warrant an evaluation in excess of the current 20 percent rating.

The VA determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability, including spondylosis with multilevel osteoarthritis and discogenic disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board found insufficient evidence to support a claim of service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the veteran's currently demonstrated back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the cervical and lumbar spine, is likely due to injury sustained during service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disorder, diagnosed as osteocartilaginous exostosis of the right lateral femoral metaphysis, did not undergo an increase in severity during service and is unrelated to any inservice events. The left knee disorder was also denied as it did not originate during active duty and is not related to any inservice events.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by military service and may not be presumed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, finding that the schedular criteria did not meet the requirements for a higher rating.

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

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability, effective September 26, 2003.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the left knee, post lateral and medial meniscus tears, does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of a bunionectomy of the left great toe with degenerative arthritis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities have been recharacterized and rated, resulting in a combined evaluation of 20 percent. The disability remains at the same level as previously.

The veteran's multiple non-service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.