Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2001

The Board has granted increased ratings of 20 percent for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine and 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine, effective from September 1, 1991.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for Crohn's disease and peptic ulcer disease, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Schedule of Ratings.

The veteran's right knee disability, characterized by degenerative joint disease and postoperative residuals of lateral meniscectomy, is currently rated at 10 percent. The RO has granted an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected right knee disorder.

The Board granted service connection and assigned a 10% rating for degenerative joint disease of the right knee and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. The effective date was not established as it was determined that there were no early claims for special monthly compensation prior to April 11, 1997.

The Board found no evidence to support the veteran's claims of service connection for his right leg fractures, bilateral pes planus, low back disorder, and acquired psychiatric disorder. The preexisting conditions were not aggravated by service, and there was insufficient medical evidence linking these conditions to his period of active duty.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings and service connection for various conditions, including osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine with radiculopathy, depression, hepatitis B, appendectomy scar, skin rash, hemorrhoids, right wrist keloid, epididymitis, chronic prostatitis, impotency, colon disorder, anemia, and sinusitis. The claims are denied.

The veteran's conditions do not meet the criteria for an increased rate of pension based on need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board has determined that the combined service-connected disability rating is correctly calculated as 50 percent. The veteran's appeal for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain remains pending.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require a program of vocational rehabilitation under chapter 31, as his education and work experience are sufficient to find suitable employment.

The veteran's scars of the right thumb and left knee are found to be service-connected. The veteran's DeQuervain's tendinitis, right thumb, and osteoarthritis of the left knee are not found to be service-connected.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee disabilities and entitlement to TDIU are denied. The RO must review these claims again after considering the additional evidence submitted by the veteran.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied. The issue of a higher initial rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine will be addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the veteran's claim of service connection for osteoarthritis of the hands with associated Heberden's nodes as a result of exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The case is now remanded for further development.

The Board has granted an effective date of June 19, 2001 for the award of a 100% disability rating for PTSD. The claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the cervical and lumbar spine was also granted.

The veteran's service-connected gout with seronegative polyarthritis is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board found that it does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation due to lack of constitutional manifestations or severe impairment.