Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for bipolar disorder, and that arteriosclerotic heart disease was not related to service-connected bipolar disorder. Service connection for fibromyalgia and degenerative arthritis was also denied as these conditions were not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, so there are no specific findings or ratings to report.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for a left knee disability. The Veteran's in-service injury is presumed, as there are no records indicating any pre-existing condition or other issues affecting his current diagnosis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's preexisting left hand disability was aggravated by service, and therefore grants service connection for left hand osteoarthritis.

The Board has restored the Veteran's original 20 percent ratings for his service-connected left and right knee disabilities, as well as granted service connection for sleep apnea based on aggravation during his third period of active duty.

The Veteran's right shoulder strain and impingement syndrome, with osteoarthritis, have been productive of flexion to 110 degrees, internal rotation to 90 degrees, external rotation to 45 degrees, abduction to 100 degrees, adduction to 50 degrees. He retains functional use above the shoulder level.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations were denied. The RO granted a temporary total evaluation beyond June 30, 2004 due to surgery related to his left ankle disability but did not grant the requested increases in ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hypertension, multiple joint osteoarthritis, and left shoulder osteoarthritis are not linked to service or any presumptive exposure. The Veteran does not have an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's right arm condition was proximately due to, or the result of, his service-connected neck disability. The Board finds that he is entitled to service connection for such condition.

The Board denied service connection for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, an acquired psychiatric disorder, osteoarthritis, a sleeping disorder, and chronic fatigue. The decision is based on the lack of evidence linking these conditions to military service or exposure to herbicides or ionizing radiation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding that his right shoulder disability warranted a 20 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the submission of additional evidence and argument, as well as the need to obtain SSA records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of osteoarthritis, chronic respiratory conditions, or bilateral hearing loss related to his military service. Therefore, these claims for service connection are denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the residuals of a fragment wound of the right shoulder with retained foreign bodies, Muscle Group I, and loss of function of the right shoulder, Muscle Group V, are not productive of more than moderate disability. The left shoulder osteoarthritis is also not productive of more than 10 percent disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right ankle strain with osteoarthritis is service-connected, while his left ankle disorder is not. The Veteran was granted a 100% disability rating for his right ankle condition.

The Board has determined that the appellant's osteoarthritis of the right knee was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, nor may it be presumed to have been so incurred.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right ankle osteoarthritis warrants an initial evaluation of 20 percent, effective May 30, 2006.

The Veteran's diagnosed back disorders, including degenerative arthritis of the spine and chronic back strain, are attributable to service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, cervical spine, left arm radiculopathy, and fracture of the left fibula, have resulted in a combined rating of 70 percent. The Board finds that these conditions preclude the Veteran from securing or following substantially gainful employment beginning on September 8, 2008.

The Veteran's appeal of the issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance at a housebound rate has been withdrawn. The Board is dismissing this issue as it pertains to the remaining issues, which are being remanded for further development.