Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2008

The VA denied an increased evaluation for gouty arthritis of multiple joints, currently rated at 40 percent. The evidence did not show significant functional impairment due to the condition.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine, effective from May 2004. The veteran's claim was previously denied in November 2004 due to clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee and left knee, but denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was not submitted to re-open the claim of service connection for degenerative arthritis, which had previously been denied in June 1993. The veteran's submission of additional VA outpatient reports and examination records did not meet the criteria for being considered 'new and material' evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection of his hip and knee disabilities, finding that the earliest date was July 10, 2003.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right and left shoulder arthritis is related to repetitive microtraumas sustained during parachute jumps in service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in the loss or loss of use of any extremity or blindness in both eyes, thus failing to meet the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The veteran's left ankle disorder is not service-connected.,There is no evidence of a headache disorder related to service or service-connected conditions.,No eating disorder has been diagnosed.,Polyarthritis and polyarthralgia are not shown in the record.,An eye disorder was not found during the review.,Epididymitis is secondary to prostatitis but considered separate for compensation purposes.,Memory loss and sleep impairment are manifestations of dysthymic disorder, with no separately ratable conditions identified.,No effective date earlier than July 25, 1996 can be assigned for the grant of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder (depression and memory loss).,No effective date earlier than July 25, 1996 can be assigned for the grant of service connection for a left hip disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and residuals of osteomyelitis of the right femur, finding no evidence of a medical nexus between any current disabilities and his period of active service.

The veteran's right shoulder disability was rated at 40% from July 1, 2003 to May 26, 2006 and from August 1, 2006. The left shoulder disorder was rated at 10% from July 1, 2003 to July 6, 2003.,The veteran's cervical strain with arthritis and low back strain were both rated at 20%. There is no rating assigned for the right foot arthralgia.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating for his left ankle fracture and a TDIU based on service-connected disability. The veteran's residuals of a left ankle fracture resulted in fusion of the left ankle joint, with no neurological or circulatory impairment.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for reflex sympathetic dystrophy, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and neuropathy due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus were denied. The Board found no evidence to support a nexus between current hearing loss or tinnitus and service, and denied both claims.

The veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right and left knees have been previously denied. The RO is instructed to send a VCAA notice letter correcting the previous denials, as well as obtain SSA records related to his disability benefits claim.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions, including cholelithiasis with cholescystectomy, nephrolithiasis and hyperuricemia, were not incurred or aggravated by service. The medical evidence does not support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has granted the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, elbow and arm as secondary to his service-connected residuals of injury to the right hand.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for glaucoma, bilateral foot disability, and bilateral ankle disability. The claim for initial compensable evaluations for hypertension and osteoarthritis of the left knee is pending.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, including traumatic osteoarthritis of the thoracic and lumbosacral spine and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, are rated at a combined 50 percent. The Board has granted a total disability evaluation on the basis of individual unemployability due to these service-connected conditions.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal for increased ratings of his right and left knee disorders.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee osteoarthritis was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service and denied his claim for service connection.