Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2003

The Board has restored the veteran's original 20 percent rating for his service-connected degenerative osteoarthritis of the right shoulder girdle, effective from October 1, 2001 to April 23, 2003.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis, finding no evidence of its onset during or within one year after his period of active military service. The April 1953 rating decision was also found to be final and not subject to revision on the grounds of clear and unmistakable error.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable as a result of his own abilities and the lack of available jobs, despite his qualifications.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, including chronic low back pain and degenerative arthritis in the lumbar spine. The Board found that spina bifida occulta was not incurred or aggravated by service, and there is no evidence of aggravation of this congenital condition during active duty. Service connection for degenerative arthritis in the lumbar spine could not be granted as it did not become manifest to a compensable degree within one year after separation from service.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unemployable as of October 26, 1998, and granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability effective from that date.

The Board denied an increased evaluation for residuals of a fifth metacarpal fracture and service connection for degenerative arthritis in the right hand, finding no evidence of ankylosis or a relationship to service.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for current medical findings consistent with the revised rating criteria.

The VA denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for right wrist osteoarthritis. The left ankle lymphedema claim is remanded for further development.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to August 21, 1997 or in excess of 30 percent from that date.

The Board has ordered additional development as the veteran's claim for nonservice-connected pension benefits is incomplete due to inadequate notice and examination. The case will be returned to the RO for further action.

The VA has determined that the veteran's right knee disorder, including osteoarthritis, warrants a 20 percent evaluation, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status, as well as her competency to manage her own affairs. The appeal is not about service connection.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a current cardiovascular disorder or osteoarthritis of the right hip related to service. The veteran's symptoms are attributed to his service-connected Lyme's disease.

The Board has ordered further development due to pending issues and will remand the case back to the RO for additional consideration.