Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2006

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral knee disabilities and service connection for a left elbow disability are not granted. The appeal is denied.

The VA denied the appellant's request for a higher initial rating of his service-connected left shoulder dislocation with degenerative arthritis, as he is currently receiving a 20 percent disability rating.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a new examination of his right knee disability.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for otitis externa, multiple joint pains of the left and right knees, left ankle, and right hip. The claim for an initial compensable rating for varicocele of the left testicle was dismissed due to lack of a timely substantive appeal.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for special monthly death pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or upon housebound status.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's right ankle disability, finding that the current manifestations do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hospitalization at Norton Community Hospital for an emergency condition was necessary and that no feasible VA facilities were available, thus allowing reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses.

The Board has granted an apportionment of the veteran's VA disability compensation benefits in the amount of $100.00 monthly for his dependent child (M.S.). The issues of service connection for various conditions are not addressed as they were not part of this appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current heart condition and osteoarthritis did not manifest within one year of discharge, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. The veteran's claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The VA denied the veteran's request for a higher rating for his right shoulder condition, finding that the evidence did not support a rating greater than 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic bilateral foot disorder to include pes planus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, active duty, and active duty for training. The veteran's lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis were granted service connection with a 10 percent evaluation effective October 23, 2001.

The Board found that the veteran's back disability, diagnosed as pseudogout, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. There is no competent evidence linking his current back disability to events during service.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any knee, ankle, or foot disorders.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for skin disease and polyarthritis due to exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's service records show complaints of dermatomycosis pedis, furuncle, and recurrent rash during service. Post-service VA treatment records indicate ongoing issues with dermatitis, onychomycosis, and a possible tinea infection. Service connection for these conditions is remanded as the claims involve exposure to Agent Orange.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as intervertebral lumbar disc disease/degenerative arthritis, is related to his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left knee disability is related to a left knee injury incurred in service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee and degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine, will be adjudicated on both direct service connection and secondary service connection bases.

The veteran's low back disability has been rated at 20 percent prior to November 28, 2005 and at 40 percent on and after that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine spondylolisthesis, left knee osteoarthritis, and psychological musculoskeletal disorder with headaches and depression. The RO previously awarded a 50 percent rating for the psychological condition.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for joint pain and osteoarthritis, finding that they were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's mandibular fracture and degenerative arthritis have been rated at 10 percent since May 2000. The Board finds no evidence of severe displacement or inter-incisal range between 21 to 30 mm, thus denying a higher rating.