Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2005

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his left and right knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's attempt to reopen his service connection claim for a back disability, finding that the new evidence submitted did not establish a relationship between current back disability and service.

The veteran's service-connected left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left and right knee disabilities do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, as there is no evidence of instability or limitation of motion that would support higher ratings. The plantar warts disability also does not meet criteria for a separate rating.

The veteran's post-traumatic osteoarthritis was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and the Board denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran requested to withdraw his appeal, and the Board has dismissed the case as a result.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, Parkinson's Disease, hyperlipidemia, and PTSD as they were not incurred or aggravated in service.

The veteran's cervical spine disability and dermatitis were not found to warrant increased evaluations, and his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability was also denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is related to his service-connected right ankle disability and grants this claim.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his osteoarthritis of the left knee, as it is currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or pain.

The case is being remanded to the RO for review of new evidence, and then it will be returned to the Board for further consideration.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his right ankle disability and service connection for cellulitis of the left foot with non-healing wound and ulcer. The right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, finding no new and material evidence to support these claims.

The Board has granted a 20 percent disability rating for chondromalacia and osteoarthritis of the left knee, and also for the right knee. These ratings are effective as of the date of the decision.

The veteran's right knee disability, characterized as osteoarthritis and meniscal injury, was rated at 20 percent effective July 2, 2001. The RO denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings prior to that date.

The VA has granted a 20 percent evaluation for osteoarthritis of the left knee, effective August 31, 2000. The veteran's disability is currently rated as moderate.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his degenerative arthritis of the left knee, right knee, and lumbar spine. The conditions are currently rated at 10 percent each.

The Board found no evidence of a right hip, knee, or low back injury during service and insufficient post-service medical evidence to establish continuity of symptoms. The veteran's claims for these conditions were denied as they are not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability.

The Board granted an initial disability rating of 40 percent for the service-connected low back disability on and after January 15, 2003. The veteran's right knee arthritis is rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or adaptive equipment only.