Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2008

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension, anemia, and osteoarthritis as there was no evidence of these conditions in service or within one year after service.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension by reason of being in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound.

The veteran's schizophrenia was granted service connection, but his back conditions, hypertension, kidney condition, sinusitis, and bilateral foot condition were denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for healed fracture of the left wrist with osteoarthritis is denied as there is no evidence of ankylosis, which would warrant a higher rating. The claims for tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss were withdrawn by the veteran's representative prior to the decision.

The Board denied increased ratings for the veteran's neurogenic bladder and lumbar spine conditions, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to July 12, 1995, and that the current evaluation of 40 percent was appropriate as of that date.

The Board has determined that the veteran's pre-existing bilateral pes planus was aggravated by service, and his low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and chronic left knee strain with osteoarthritis were incurred in service.,Service connection is granted for all three conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and those secondary to radiation exposure. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and a higher initial disability rating for his service-connected left knee disorder, finding that the evidence did not support such ratings.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the veteran's lumbar spine disability, effective from December 1, 2001. The TDIU was also granted effective May 8, 2000.

The Board granted a disability rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability prior to March 7, 2007. The veteran was previously rated at 20 percent and now receives an increase to 40 percent effective from April 12, 2005.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA examination and issuance of a supplemental statement of the case.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that his right knee conditions did not warrant higher ratings or service connection based on the evidence of record.

The veteran has bilateral ankle degenerative arthritis which is related to service. The Board grants the benefit of doubt in favor of the appellant and finds as fact that the veteran's current bilateral ankle disability is related to his service.,The veteran's headaches are related to his service-connected cervical spine disability (degenerative disc disease status post cervical diskectomy). The Board grants the benefit of doubt in favor of the appellant and finds as fact that the veteran's headaches are related to his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his left knee disorder, finding that the evidence does not support a rating higher than the current 10 percent assigned.

The VA has denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings and effective dates related to his lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, cervical spondylosis with degenerative osteoarthritis and disc disease, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The VA found that none of these conditions have significantly changed since the last rating decision.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound was denied as he does not meet the requirements for these benefits due to his severe disability but lack of actual need for regular aid and assistance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left hip disability, including his total left hip replacement and osteoarthritis, was not incurred or aggravated during service. The claim is denied.

The Board denied entitlement to an increased rating for a lumbar spine injury on an extraschedular basis and remanded the issue of TDIU. The administrative review decision by the VA Director of Compensation and Pension Service denied both issues.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis and a right arm skin lesion, finding no direct link to his active service or presumed exposure to herbicides.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected lumbosacral disc disease with osteoarthritis and left leg pain is being remanded due to the need for proper notice under Vazquez-Flores v. Peake, No. 05-0355 (U.S. Vet. App. January 30, 2008), and a VA examination.