Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities of his right shoulder, groin, testes, or left knee. For the lumbar spine condition, while a current disability is present, there is no evidence to support service connection due to lack of in-service incurrence and insufficient medical nexus evidence.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the right knee was denied as there is no evidence of instability or impairment to the tibia and fibula, and the current disability is rated under a 'direct' service connection theory.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bladder disability, bilateral cellulitis, and osteoarthritis as there is no current diagnosis of any of these conditions.

The Board has granted a 40 percent initial schedular rating for lumbar spine limitation of motion due to degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound is remanded due to the need for additional development, including medical examinations.

The Board found that the Veteran's left hip disability was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability and denied the claim.

The Board denied service connection for a pinched nerve and an increased rating for the Veteran's left shoulder disability. The Veteran's claim was based on direct evidence rather than any presumption or secondary condition.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial evaluations for his service-connected laxity of the knees and degenerative arthritis were denied as there was no evidence showing limitation of motion that would warrant a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for various conditions, including Entamoeba coli infection and stomach pain and nausea, eczema (claimed as a skin rash), osteoarthritis and/or fibrositis and radiculopathy of the cervical and lumbar spine, and fatigue. The appeals were based on an undiagnosed illness related to service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his service, including as due to injury therein. Service connection for a low back disability is denied.

The Veteran's right calcaneocuboid subluxation with traumatic arthritis was granted a rating of 30 percent effective from May 9, 2006. Prior to that date, the condition had been rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of current disabilities or residuals from injuries sustained during his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than June 9, 1999 for service connection of his bilateral knee disabilities and denied his requests for higher initial ratings.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hiatal hernia, postoperative residuals of cervical fusion, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and hemorrhoids. The evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current back and neck disabilities are related to his service, specifically the in-service injuries.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's left total knee replacement has been rated at 30 percent since April 1, 2007. The Board has granted a higher rating of 60 percent for the period from February 3, 2006 to present.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected right hip, left hip, and knee disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by chronic pain and limited range of motion, has not met the criteria for a higher rating. A separate compensable rating is granted for arthritis.