Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for dysthymia, chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, or traumatic arthritis of the left hip. Service connection for a cervical spine condition was also denied.

The Veteran's thoracic and lumbar spine disability was manifested by slight limitation of motion, no muscle spasm on extreme forward bending, loss of lateral spine motion, unilateral in standing position. The Veteran's cervical spine disability was not shown to involve IVDS. As such, the initial rating assigned for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine prior to January 24, 2006, is granted at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD aggravated his congestive heart failure, which caused his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of death is granted. The claim for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 is also granted.

The Veteran's ratings for his low back disability and associated pain and numbness of the left lower extremity were reduced from 60 to 20 percent, and from 10 to zero percent respectively. The decision is mixed as some issues are granted while others are denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an effective date earlier than April 28, 1999 for the grant of service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with disc extrusion.

The Board has granted service connection for nonspecific inflammatory polyarthritis and psoriasis/eczema, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his death. The underlying causes of death were sepsis and pneumonia, which are not related to the Veteran's service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his left knee and left ankle disorders, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorders, neck injury residuals, and PTSD are related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further examination and consideration of his employment status.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a scar examination.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for her right knee and hip conditions has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of her request for an increased rating for patellofemoral pain syndrome, chondromalacia, and osteoarthritis of the right knee.

The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran and a need for clarification on the etiology of his hip condition.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine whether the appellant requires regular aid and attendance due to her medical conditions, which could affect her ability to perform daily activities and require assistance.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been granted with appropriate disability ratings.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by daily pain and limited motion, has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of heat stroke and granted service connection for post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the right thumb with an initial noncompensable rating, but denied a compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his claims.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by impingement syndrome and degenerative arthritis, does not warrant a rating higher than the current 20 percent evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence from the early 60s and insufficient notification regarding the bases for the previous denial.