Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board found that the appellant's current low back disorders are not related to his service, including a 1968 explosion in Vietnam. The claim was denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease resulting in the current conditions.

The Veteran's meniscectomy of the left knee, osteoarthritis of the left knee, arthroscopic surgery of the right knee, and osteoarthritis of the right knee have been rated at 10 percent each. The Board has determined that a higher rating is warranted for the left knee conditions due to frequent episodes of locking, pain, effusion into the joint, and slight instability.

The Veteran's right thigh shell fragment wound with retained foreign bodies and multiple scars is rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board granted his claim for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's left knee disorder is currently rated at 20 percent, effective May 16, 2002. The Board found that the condition warranted a higher rating due to limitation of flexion and pain.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for tricompartmental osteoarthritis of the right knee prior to November 7, 2007 and a rating in excess of 30 percent for status/post-total right knee arthroplasty since January 1, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed PTSD, right shoulder and right knee disabilities are not service-connected due to insufficient evidence of inservice stressors.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have not met the criteria for increased evaluations beyond the currently assigned ratings.

The Veteran is entitled to special monthly pension based on housebound status due to multiple non-service-connected disabilities, including coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. He also meets the age requirement for this benefit.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the service connection for degenerative arthritis has already been established. The initial rating of 30 percent for limitation of extension of the left knee with osteoarthritis prior to February 6, 2007 and an increased rating to 40 percent since that date are denied.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as she withdrew her appeal for a compensable evaluation for left ankle osteoarthritis, status post posterior malleolus fracture, and distal fibula shaft fracture prior to June 23, 2007.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine are related to his period of active service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran is seeking to reopen his claim for service connection for a back injury, which he claims developed due to military service. The Board has ordered additional development of the record to obtain pertinent medical records and information about any post-service injuries or treatments.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the non-service-connected disability pension award, finding that entitlement arose on November 16, 2004, when the Veteran's private physician provided medical evidence supporting his claim.

The Veteran's muscle and joint pain is attributed to osteoarthritis, while his neuropsychological disorder is diagnosed as bipolar disorder/manic depressive psychosis. Both conditions are not considered due to undiagnosed illness related to service in the Persian Gulf War.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for all issues except gout, which received a 20% disability rating. The remaining conditions were either not granted or had their ratings denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and clarifying whether the Veteran wants a hearing.

The Veteran's left herniated nucleus pulposus at C5-C6 with residual degenerative arthritis was characterized by limited motion and pain, resulting in a disability rating of 30 percent from October 11, 2006. The claim for an evaluation in excess of this rating prior to that date has been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right and left knees were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating at any point.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability due to lack of current diagnosis and no link between current symptoms and service.