Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2005

The veteran's initial ratings for degenerative arthritis of the right knee and subluxation of the right knee have been granted, with a rating of 10 percent each. The partial amputation residuals of the left middle and ring fingers are rated as non-compensable.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the ankles, knees, lumbar spine and shoulders as not related to service or an undiagnosed illness.

The veteran's right wrist disability was rated at various levels, but the appeal is denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and cervical spine, finding that his disabilities did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.

The VA denied increased ratings for post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the right and left ankles, currently rated at 20 percent each.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss, and increased evaluations for right knee degenerative arthritis and right shoulder scapula fracture with residual chronic right rhomboid muscle tendonitis were denied. The Board found that the veteran does not have a current hearing loss disability as defined by VA regulations.

The veteran's right knee disability was rated at 20 percent prior to October 4, 2002 and increased to 30 percent from December 1, 2003. The residuals of his nasal fracture were rated at 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of both shoulders and an increased rating for low back strain, finding no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a right shoulder disability, low back disability, or generalized osteoarthritis that is related to his military service.

The Board found that the veteran's osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine was not related to his time in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a left ankle fracture and orthopedic disabilities of the back, hips, knees, and legs. The veteran's claims were based on direct evidence rather than presumptions or secondary conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability, characterized as degenerative arthritis, warrants a 10 percent evaluation. Additionally, the limitation of extension of the right knee is also rated at 10 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine and low back disorders, finding no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service. The claim for osteoarthritis of the knees was also denied as there is no direct evidence linking it to service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the back, finding that new and material evidence was submitted. The Board also determined that this condition is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected rheumatic fever.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected postoperative residuals of right femur fracture and osteoarthritis of the right hip were denied as he failed to report for a scheduled VA examination, and there is no evidence of significant limitation of motion in his right hip.

The veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was granted a rating of 40 percent as of September 26, 2003, for severe limitation of motion.

The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's post-operative residuals of recurrent dislocations of the left shoulder, currently rated at 20 percent.

The veteran's bilateral foot disability, including pes planus and plantar fasciitis, is rated at 30 percent. Separate 10 percent ratings are granted for talonavicular arthritis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorders and an increased rating for thoracic spine disorder. The decision is final as it pertains to a previously denied claim.

The Board found that the veteran does not have additional left foot disability caused by VA care or treatment, including surgeries performed in 1998.