Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2006

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and kidney stones, finding no evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The veteran's right fifth metacarpal and right knee arthritis have been granted initial ratings of noncompensable. However, the right knee arthritis has now been rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's right knee disability, including partial medial meniscectomy and degenerative arthritis, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from intracerebral hemorrhage.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine and headaches, finding that they were not related to service-connected myositis. The veteran's myositis was granted a 10% evaluation.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine due to new and material evidence being submitted. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the left knee, status post meniscectomy with removal of loose body times two. The claim for an increased evaluation for laxity of the left knee is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the right knee is also denied.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the left knee and a 20 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the left ankle, residuals of a simple fracture of the shaft of the left fibula.