Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The VA determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability, including spondylosis with multilevel osteoarthritis and discogenic disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The Board found insufficient evidence to support a claim of service connection for this condition.

The Board finds that the veteran's currently demonstrated back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the cervical and lumbar spine, is likely due to injury sustained during service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee disorder, diagnosed as osteocartilaginous exostosis of the right lateral femoral metaphysis, did not undergo an increase in severity during service and is unrelated to any inservice events. The left knee disorder was also denied as it did not originate during active duty and is not related to any inservice events.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by military service and may not be presumed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, finding that the schedular criteria did not meet the requirements for a higher rating.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability, effective September 26, 2003.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the left knee, post lateral and medial meniscus tears, does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent.

The Board has denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected residuals of a bunionectomy of the left great toe with degenerative arthritis, currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities have been recharacterized and rated, resulting in a combined evaluation of 20 percent. The disability remains at the same level as previously.

The veteran's multiple non-service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and an increased rating for residuals of shell fragment wounds to the right shoulder involving Muscle Group III.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee and right ankle disabilities do not warrant an increased evaluation as they are currently manifested by slight to moderate impairment, without evidence of instability or recurrent subluxation.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the veteran's eligibility for specially adapted housing and financial assistance in acquiring special home adaptations due to his service-connected conditions.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus but granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's left knee disability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his low back disability and right leg gunshot wound residuals. The RO will determine if separate ratings should be assigned for these conditions.

The Board found that the veteran's left shoulder disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left little finger osteoarthritis and scar residuals do not warrant a compensable or increased rating, respectively.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral and cervical spine, finding that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether this condition had its onset during active service.

The Board denied the veteran's increased rating claims for his cervical spine disability, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to August 11, 2000 and on or after August 11, 2000.