Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to a 40 percent evaluation for spondylolisthesis L5, S1 with osteoarthritis of lumbar spine since February 24, 2004.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for vocational rehabilitation training due to his current employment and lack of an employment handicap despite having service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of an abnormal bone growth and osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, both secondary to exposure to ionizing radiation. The evidence submitted did not provide new and material information.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for osteoarthritis of multiple joints and an increased rating for his service-connected polyarthritis of the knees, hands and ankles. The evidence did not support a finding that the veteran's current arthritis was related to his service or service-connected condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for bursitis of his right and left knees, finding that the evidence did not support ratings higher than the current 20 percent assigned.

The veteran's osteoarthritis of the cervical spine from C4 to C7 is found to be related to his military service, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to missing service records and a request for alternative records search.

The Board has determined that the veteran's thyroid disorder and osteoarthritis are not related to her service-connected anemia and/or cardiac arrhythmia, and thus denied both claims.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral foot disability and low back disability, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The Board also found that any current conditions were not related to service.

The Board has granted the veteran's application to reopen his claim of entitlement to service connection for right hip osteoarthritis and has also granted service connection for right hip osteoarthritis and right total hip replacement residuals, finding that these conditions are related to his service-connected left interior thigh gunshot wound residuals.

The veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The appeals are all based on reopening of previously denied claims, and the issues involve new evidence.

The Board denied the veteran's claim, finding that the purchase of 'medical marijuana' cannot be recognized as a deductible medical expense for purposes of qualification for VA nonservice-connected pension benefits due to federal law prohibiting its use.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding insufficient evidence to link his current disability to his period of service.

The Board found that the veteran's left wrist disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance due to his inability to require regular aid and assistance of another person.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain with osteoarthritis is service-connected and warrants a 20 percent rating. The right knee disability, including instability, also meets the criteria for a 20 percent evaluation. However, arthritis of the right knee does not warrant an additional separate evaluation beyond the current 10 percent rating.

The veteran's appeal is remanded for further development to clarify the nature of his arthritis and its impact on employment.

The VA determined that the veteran's right shoulder disabilities, diagnosed as osteoarthritis and impingement syndrome, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board found no evidence to support a connection between his current condition and his military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's diabetes mellitus and bilateral osteoarthritis of the hips are not related to service, specifically cold exposure. Therefore, these claims have been denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current right leg, foot, ankle, knee and low back disorders are not related to his service. The pre-existing fractures did not worsen during service.