Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2007

The veteran's cervical spine disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 20 percent due to its current functional impairment and lack of severe intervertebral disc syndrome or ankylosis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his tinnitus was related to service but not meeting criteria for an increased rating or separate disability ratings. The right knee and left knee disabilities were found to be rated appropriately under the applicable diagnostic codes. The lumbar spine disability did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for chronic right hand and knee disorders, finding no evidence of such conditions during or immediately following active service. The veteran's current arthritis was not shown until many years after separation from service.

The Board has reopened the veteran's service connection claims for rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis, gout, and hypertension. The new evidence received since the last final decision supports these claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a nose injury, including a deviated nasal septum and sinus infections, as well as right arm osteoarthritis, both found to be attributable to service.

The VA denied an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the left sacroiliac joint, currently rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and consideration of additional evidence. The veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is at issue.

The VA has granted a 10 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the right ankle since November 24, 2004.

The veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the claim for service connection for osteoarthritis, bilateral ankles, to include as secondary to service-connected Reiter's syndrome.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied as there was no evidence of any claimed conditions during or within one year after his military service, and the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding that any current disabilities are related to his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's degenerative arthritis of multiple joints warrants a 20 percent disability rating, effective from the date of the July 2003 RO decision.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional evidence to be obtained and a new VA examination.

The Board has granted a rating of 20 percent for the veteran's low back strain and degenerative arthritis, effective March 31, 2005. The initial compensable rating for left plantar warts was also granted. However, the claim for service connection for Meniere's syndrome remains pending as it is not addressed in this decision.

The veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss in the right ear, high cholesterol, and increased ratings for arthritis of the shoulder, knee, and ankle were denied. The RO found that these conditions are not related to service or military noise exposure.

The Board has determined that the veteran's osteoarthritis of the left knee warrants a 10 percent rating, effective from August 2001.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for pes planus with hallux valgus, hammer toes, and degenerative arthritis of the big toes (claimed as arthritis of the feet) due to new evidence submitted. The Board also found that the pre-existing condition worsened during service and granted service connection based on aggravation.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected meniscectomy of the right knee with traumatic osteoarthritis is denied as there is no evidence that warrants a rating higher than the current 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his knee and elbow conditions have been denied. The highest rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes has not been met.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome as it is not a compensable disability. The claim for an increased evaluation of her degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was granted, with a 60% evaluation effective October 2002.