Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render her helpless as to be in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, nor does she meet the criteria for housebound status.

The Veteran's effective date for a 30 percent rating for his right knee total knee replacement is set at February 7, 2007. However, the Board found that an earlier effective date of September 19, 2006 (one year prior to the receipt of the claim) would be appropriate based on the fact that he had a prosthetic knee joint in place for one year.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, shoulders, knees, and ankles. The decision is final as no new evidence or claims were submitted within one year of the last denial.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current low back disorder is a result of his active duty service and grants entitlement to service connection on a direct basis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability. The evidence shows that the Veteran experienced an in-service injury, which led to current osteoarthritis of the right knee. The Board finds that this condition is related to his military service.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, characterized by limited range of motion and advanced osteoarthritis, does not warrant a rating higher than the current 30 percent assigned.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for an adequate VA examination and a determination of whether his service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to uncertainty regarding whether the appellant is substantially confined to her home or immediate premises by reason of disability or disabilities reasonably certain to remain throughout her lifetime.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative changes are found to be due to disease or injury incurred in service. The cervical spine disorder, bilateral elbow disorder, and headache disorder are not found to be related to service.

The Board denied all increased evaluation claims for osteoarthritis of the knees, hands, and ankles. The appellant's service-connected disabilities did not meet criteria for TDIU.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability did not begin in service and was not caused by any incident of service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

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

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a sleep disorder, increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the left knee and plantar fasciitis of the left foot with degenerative changes. The case has been remanded to obtain VA treatment records, provide new examinations, and determine the current severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including depression and Xanax abuse (70%), gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) (30%), degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine (10%), and status post laparoscopy including scars (10%), render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating are being remanded to the RO for further development.

The Board has determined that a rating of 40 percent, but no higher, is warranted for the Veteran's right shoulder disability as of October 5, 2009. Prior to this date, the criteria for a higher rating were not met.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent from April 13, 2005 and continues to be granted. The issue of service connection for PTSD has been recharacterized as noted above.

The Board denied reopening the Veteran's claim of service connection for traumatic osteoarthritis of the left foot and also denied his claim for service connection for an acquired eye disorder (previously claimed as bilateral cataracts).

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for status as a former prisoner of war, service connection for posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the left knee and nutritional disorders, and malaria. The appeal for non-service-connected disability pension was also denied.