Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2007

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee, effective from September 14, 2001.

The Board has determined that the effective date for a 30 percent evaluation for service-connected residuals of fracture, left tibia and fibula is March 19, 2003. The claim for an increased rating remains pending as the veteran's disability continues to warrant such a higher evaluation.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected hypertension and knee disabilities are being remanded due to deficiencies in the VCAA notice provided.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating, finding no current disability or evidence of a nexus between his in-service incidents and present conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's osteoarthritis of the right knee, which has been rated at 20 percent since its award in February 2003, does not warrant a higher rating as it did not meet the criteria for any additional disability due to limitation of motion or other factors.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral knee disability with degenerative arthritis was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service, and it cannot be presumed to have been so incurred. The claim is denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of VA medical records and VCAA notification issues.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and right wrist disability. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The veteran is granted service connection for headaches and increased ratings for traumatic arthritis of the right AC joint. Other claims are denied.,Coronary artery disease, left knee medial meniscal tear, hemorrhoids, anal fissure, pseudofolliculitis barbae with tinea versicolor, residuals of a fracture of the left index finger, and residuals of a fracture of the right great toe have been evaluated based on their current manifestations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of bilateral leg, hip, and back disorders as secondary to his service-connected flat feet condition.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have residuals of repair to his right ureter incurred during service beyond those associated with postoperative scarring and the usual effects of such ameliorative surgical treatment. The in-service pyeloplasty did not aggravate a disability.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the service-connected right knee disability caused or aggravated the left knee disability. The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is also before the Board.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, right hand tremor, breathing problems, a cyst on the spine, hypertension, left leg neuropathy, anxiety and depression, heart condition with bundle branch block, and degenerative arthritis of the back.

The veteran's claim for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant was denied as he does not meet the criteria for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected chondromalacia patella and degenerative arthritis of both knees, finding that the evidence did not support evaluations in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for further development, including an examination to clarify diagnoses and provide opinions on whether or not his disabilities are related to service.

The veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including hypertension, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, cervical spondylosis, osteoarthritis of the left knee, right hand disorder, left shoulder impingement, skin rash, diabetes mellitus, sarcoma, and bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities have been denied. The Board found no evidence to support these claims.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD, major depression, schizophrenia, agoraphobia, degenerative changes in the cervical spine, degenerative disc disease of the low back, right arm pain (major), left arm pain, and left shoulder pain. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and military service.

The Board denied service connection for the veteran's claimed conditions, finding that they were not related to his military service or service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied ratings in excess of the current assigned ratings for right knee small meniscus tear, arthritis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and chin scars.