Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2009

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and right elbow, as the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current severity of his conditions.

The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and dismissed the appeal regarding an increased rating for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. The issue of entitlement to an increased rating for para-thyroid gland abnormality with hypocalcaemia and nephrolithiasis is remanded.

The Board denied service connection for all the claimed conditions as they were not shown to be related to the veteran's period of active duty.

The veteran's service-connected low back disability is not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine or intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during the past 12 months, and therefore, an increased disability rating in excess of 50 percent is not warranted.

The appeal of the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to January 13, 2003 for additional compensation for a dependent child based on school attendance was denied.

The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant.

The Board found that the veteran's lumbar spondylosis, bone spurs, and osteoarthritis of the left hip were not related to his service.

The veteran's initial rating for degenerative arthritis of the right knee was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the right knee and patellofemoral pain of the left knee were denied as there was no evidence to support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for reimbursement or payment of the cost of private medical care was denied because VA facilities were reasonably available and prior authorization was not obtained.

The appeal was remanded for a VA examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's left knee condition.

The Board remands the case to obtain additional evidence and schedule a VA examination.

The case is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination and review of the veteran's medical records.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for major depressive disorder was withdrawn.

The Board remands the matter for additional development, including obtaining relevant medical records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The veteran's left knee disability, including dislocation and degenerative arthritis, does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues, including the claims of service connection and increased ratings.

The veteran's claims for increased initial disability ratings and service connection were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection.

The veteran's right knee disability was rated at 10 percent for degenerative arthritis, but the Board granted a separate 10 percent rating for instability of the right knee.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disability was remanded to obtain additional evidence and an updated VA examination.