Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2006

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased rating for service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, service connection for arthritis of the hands, diabetes mellitus, and psoriasis. The evidence did not support granting any of these claims.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right foot disability was rated as 30 percent disabling, while the lower lip scar was not compensably rated.

The Board denied the veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date of March 24, 1971, for service connection of thoracic back strain. The case was remanded to obtain additional development and evidence.

The veteran's left knee conditions have been rated at 10 percent since the period prior to December 17, 2002. The right knee condition has also been rated at 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's current degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, right hip and knee disorders, and right thigh pain are not related to his military service.

The VA determined that the veteran's service-connected post traumatic osteoarthritis of the right knee does not warrant a rating higher than 10 percent.

The veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's lung cancer, which caused his death in October 2003, was not related to service or a service-connected disability.

The Board has decided that additional evidence is needed and a remand for further examination of the veteran's right shoulder disability is required.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment, and therefore denied his claim for a TDIU.

The Board found that the veteran's left shoulder disorder and cervical osteoarthritis are not related to his service, and denied his claims for increased rating of residuals of a left hand ring and little finger injury. The RO had previously granted a 20% rating for the disability under Diagnostic Code 5219.

The veteran's service records do not show any chronic conditions related to the claimed disabilities. The Board denied all claims of service connection.

The Board has determined that the appellant is entitled to special monthly compensation based on a need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities of the lumbar spine, knees, and ankles.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current shoulder, wrist, and lumbar spine conditions to his military service. The absence of medical records from service is not considered a fault of the veteran.

The veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right knee disability was dismissed due to the death of the veteran.