Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for her degenerative arthritis of the right acromioclavicular joint with partial rotator cuff tear, finding that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 10 percent and 20 percent for the periods specified.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his rheumatoid arthritis was denied as the current symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a left tympanic membrane perforation, tinnitus, and arthritis of the left knee. The veteran is now entitled to a separate 10 percent rating for his arthritis of the left knee.

The Board has determined that service connection is not warranted for the appellant's claimed left knee disorder. The evidence does not support a finding of any causal connection between the appellant's current claimed left knee condition and his military service.

The veteran's service-connected hypertension is rated at 10 percent, and the claim for an increased rating is granted. The claims for chronic sinusitis and osteoarthritis of the left hip are remanded for further evaluation.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected right knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that the veteran's diagnosed degenerative arthritis of the left ankle is not related to his period of service active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need of regular aid and attendance due to his various disabilities, as he is able to care for himself and protect himself from hazards in his environment.

The Board found that the veteran's current left knee disability is not related to his in-service shell fragment wound, and arthritis was initially demonstrated years after service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for post-operative residuals, right lateral meniscectomy and also denied his request to reopen a previously denied claim for service connection for an eye disorder.

The Board has determined that it is not factually ascertainable that the veteran met the criteria for a combined 70 percent evaluation for service-connected disabilities within one year of his May 26, 2004 claim. Therefore, the effective date for the award of a combined 70 percent rating can be no earlier than May 26, 2004.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his proximal occlusion of the left popliteal artery and below the left leg amputation, as well as a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right knee area. The veteran's bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees claim was withdrawn by the appellant.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the veteran's claims for service connection for pulmonary tuberculosis, peptic ulcer disease, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, and varicose veins.

The veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by degenerative arthritis, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating as there was no evidence of malunion, fibrous union, nonunion with false flail joint, or loss of head of the humerus (flail shoulder).

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the eligibility criteria for financial assistance in acquiring an automobile or other conveyance, nor specially adapted housing or a home adaptation grant.

The veteran's claims for specially adapted housing and special home adaption grants were denied as he does not meet the legal criteria due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the claims for further development, including a VA examination to determine if the veteran's current back disability, hypertension, and arthritis of the entire body are related to his service-connected diabetes mellitus.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status due to her disabilities not meeting the criteria for such benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left knee and low back conditions are related to his military service, granting service connection for both.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right foot disability, manifested by constant pain and occasional swelling, is rated at a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5284 for moderate symptoms.