Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2006

The veteran's left knee disability, both prior to July 19, 2001 and from September 1, 2002, has been evaluated as 30 percent disabling. The current rating is appropriate given the lack of functional limitations or severe painful motion/weakness.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right ear hearing loss, right knee post-traumatic exostosis, and right knee osteoarthritis were denied. The claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability was also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his inflammatory polyarthritis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5002.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his request for withdrawal of the appeal with respect to several service-connected disabilities.,An initial 30 percent rating is granted for migraine headaches, meeting criteria for characteristic prostrating attacks.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable due to his ability to perform administrative duties at a full-time job.

The veteran is seeking an increased rating for his service-connected left great toe osteoarthritis. The RO has ordered a new VA examination to assess the current severity of this condition and determine if it warrants a higher disability evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have a disability manifested by right leg pain, numbness of the right side, or degenerative arthritis of the low back. The Board also found no evidence to support service connection for these conditions on a secondary basis to his service-connected status post right total hip replacement.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for accrued benefits, as there was no pending claim at the time of her husband's death. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the veteran is not entitled to a rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of internal derangement of the right knee and degenerative arthritis of the right knee from April 15, 2002, to November 4, 2002.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected right wrist disability, characterized by post traumatic osteoarthritis, does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for synovitis, osteoarthritis, and severe degenerative joint disease of the left knee was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 30 percent.

The Board found that there is no competent medical evidence of current active residuals or pathology due to iritis, and thus denied the claim for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have PTSD, residuals of a right ankle sprain, left ankle disability, or bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees that are related to military service.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected low back and left knee disabilities, as well as his claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus. The RO must address these issues under both the old and current rating criteria.

The VA determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 40 percent, as it did not meet the criteria for ankylosis or pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy and little intermittent relief.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, and hips due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for major depression, increased evaluations for bladder disorder and lumbar spine disability, and a compensable evaluation for hemorrhoids. The veteran's heart disorder claim was not addressed due to its separate status.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a right knee condition secondary to his service-connected left knee disability and an increased rating for his left knee disability. The denial of these claims is based on the lack of evidence supporting the requested benefits.

The Board has granted service connection for patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee with osteoarthritis, but denied a higher initial evaluation.