Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2008

The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for residuals of punji stick injury to the left knee was denied, but his claim for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the left knee was granted with a 10 percent rating effective from January 15, 2006.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, with the exception of tinnitus which was assigned a 10% evaluation.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for additional vocational rehabilitation services and employment assistance due to a lack of an employment handicap, despite his service-connected disabilities. The veteran is currently employed but contends that he cannot secure suitable employment due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine condition, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between the current disability and service or service-connected conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed disabilities are not related to his military service and have denied all of his claims.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for chronic lumbar strain, dysthymia, and bilateral foot disabilities were denied. The RO continued the denials of these claims in a May 2005 rating decision.

The Board found that the veteran does not have a current disability manifested by herniated nucleus pulposus and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar and cervical spine due to or aggravated by military service, nor may service connection for a chronic disorder be presumed.

The veteran's claim for a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with bulging disc at L4-5 and scoliosis is being remanded due to inadequate notice, need for additional VA examination, and potential need for additional treatment records.

The VA denied a higher initial rating for the veteran's degenerative arthritis and disc disease, residuals of a low back injury. The evidence prior to September 23, 2002 did not show IVDS criteria in excess of 20 percent, and since then it has not shown incapacitating episodes or forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right and left knee disabilities.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine were denied as his conditions did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for left knee instability and arthritis since February 24, 2005. The veteran's disability was not shown to meet the criteria for higher ratings under other diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection due to lack of evidence showing an intent to file a claim prior to March 1, 2004.

The Board is requesting additional development to determine the nature and etiology of the veteran's claimed osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar and cervical spine, including reviewing MRI studies from Nellis Air Force Base. The case will be remanded for further examination and consideration.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and review of records.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disability and bilateral varicose veins disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a low back injury, including a herniated nucleus pulposus. The appeal also addressed an effective date prior to November 3, 2004, for the grant of service connection for chronic arthritis with degenerative changes of the cervical spine.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to his right knee disability and schizophrenia, as they do not result in loss of use of both lower extremities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an earlier effective date for a compensable rating for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, service connection for diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. The RO found no evidence of an earlier claim or medical evaluation prior to December 10, 2003.

The Board denied service connection for fibromyalgia and denied an increased rating for degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. The veteran's claim for a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss was not addressed in this decision.