Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board found that the veteran's current back disorder did not begin during service and was not caused by any incident of service, including exposure to extreme cold temperatures. The claim for service connection is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's right knee and ankle injuries were not a result of VA treatment, as the injury occurred during a voluntary recreational activity at the VA Medical Center. The decision denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded to the RO for additional development and consideration.

The veteran is entitled to an earlier effective date for the grant of TDIU for compensation purposes, effective on August 3, 1995.

The Board found that there is no evidence of shrapnel wounds to the legs in service, and no competent evidence of a nexus between any current arthritis of the legs and the veteran's period of active service. The claim for low back pain with spinal stenosis at L3-5, degenerative disc changes, and facet joint osteoarthritis was also denied as there is no evidence of a chronic low back disorder in service or within one year after service. Service connection for C6 fracture with quadriplegia as secondary to service-connected coronary artery disease and arteriosclerosis, status post coronary artery bypass graft, was denied.

The Board found that the veteran's arthritis of the right knee, both hands, wrists, and cervical and lumbar spine is not proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disabilities.

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's left shoulder disorder, currently rated at 30 percent.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA).

The case is being remanded for further development due to procedural deficiencies in the VCAA notice.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic acquired psychiatric disorder, low back disorder, or migraine headaches that were incurred in service.,The veteran's statements regarding stressors during service were deemed insufficient and not credible.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for osteoarthritis of the shoulder and knees. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, including from Dr. Deloria and Dr. Chua-Balmadrid, and to provide the veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature of his osteoarthritis.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of his claim of service connection for a back disorder.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1114(k) for loss of use of his left foot, finding that he did not meet the criteria for such a benefit due to remaining functional capacity in his left leg.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and left shoulder disability, as well as an increased evaluation for hiatal hernia with epigastritis. The appeals were based on direct service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and requests that additional medical records be obtained, as well as a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder, right ankle, and bilateral knee disabilities are related to his military service. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right knee disability is aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability. The claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for degenerative arthritis of the left knee, status post meniscectomy, was granted.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The lumbar spine disorder was rated at 10 percent, and the right knee disorder was also rated at 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's osteoarthritis of the cervical spine is related to service, and thus grants service connection for this condition. The decision also notes that a more definitive assessment regarding the shoulder disability is needed.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including a Statement of the Case with respect to service connection for right hip disability and entitlements related to his right ankle sprain.