Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and hands, as well as arthritis of the hands with ulnar neuropathy, both secondary to his service-connected low back disability. The VA examiner found no evidence linking these conditions directly to the service-connected condition.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied, with the exception of a 10 percent rating for right knee instability from October 7, 2002, to March 4, 2007.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased evaluation for rheumatic polyarthritis of the left knee and service connection for a heart condition, finding that his disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied an increased rating for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, finding the veteran's condition did not warrant a higher evaluation based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the veteran's current left ankle degenerative arthritis is not related to his period of active service or his service-connected right knee disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing at the RO due to his inability to attend the previously scheduled hearing in Washington, DC.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the right knee, right wrist tendonitis, and left knee are denied.,The veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the right knee (limitation of flexion), 10 percent for right knee medial laxity, 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the left knee, and 10 percent for tendonitis of the right wrist.

The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected chronic low back strain with osteoarthritis and left S1 radiculopathy, finding that the evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee chondromalacia and osteoarthritis warrant a 10 percent evaluation each, but not greater.

The Board granted an increased rating of 50 percent for bilateral pes planus and denied the claims for increased ratings for chondromalacia patella of the left and right knees.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of an increase in the veteran's left knee disability within one year prior to his June 29, 1998 claim for a higher rating. Therefore, the effective date cannot be earlier than June 29, 1998.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess his current disability levels. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have osteochondritis of the lumbosacral spine and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The veteran is found to be so nearly helpless as to require the regular aid and attendance of another person, meeting the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and thus grants a total disability rating on the basis of individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left knee warrants a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5010 for traumatic arthritis based on X-ray findings. The disability is currently evaluated as moderate.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee osteoarthritis did not warrant a higher rating due to lack of limitation in motion or instability, and thus denied his claim for an increased rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of injury to the left wrist and hand, as well as his service connection claims for arthritis of multiple joints (presumed), bilateral knees, heels, thoracic spine, and right hand and wrist. The evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The veteran's disabilities do not render him in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound, thus his claim for special monthly pension is denied.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right elbow condition, currently rated at 10 percent disabling.