Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2004

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for PTSD, depression with memory loss, chronic diarrhea, cervical spine disability, and skin rash as they did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of PTSD or were not linked to his in-service stressors. The diagnoses offered have been depression.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including hip and knee disabilities, headaches, memory loss, hypertension, vision problems, skin conditions, chronic fatigue syndrome, and libido issues. The appeal was reopened on new evidence.

The case is being remanded for further development due to the need for proper VCAA notice.

The veteran's lumbar spine disability was previously rated at 10 percent and later increased to 20 percent. The Board found that the disability warranted a rating of 40 percent from August 28, 1995 to the present.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for special monthly death pension benefits based on the need for regular aid and attendance, finding that she does not meet the criteria due to her ability to perform daily activities without assistance.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a back injury, including osteoarthritis. The evidence submitted since the 1993 denial supports the claim and is considered relevant to the issue.

The veteran's right knee disability is rated at 30 percent for status post right knee injury with anterior cruciate ligament tear and posterior horn medial meniscal tear, effective January 1, 2001.,Right knee degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, effective April 26, 2003.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have current disabilities involving his hands, knees, wrists, or respiratory system as a result of service. The claims for these conditions are therefore denied.

The Board has granted a full grant of the benefit sought as to the low back claim, finding that the veteran's chronic low back strain and degenerative arthritis are related to his service-connected left ankle disorder. The increased rating for residuals of a fracture of the left lateral malleolus remains at issue.

The Board has determined that the veteran's posttraumatic osteoarthritis and peptic ulcer disease, which were presumed to have been incurred during his period of military service as a POW, caused or contributed substantially to his death. As such, the appellant is entitled to Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) based on a service-connected cause of death.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss, degenerative arthritis of the knees and ankles, sleep apnea, and dysthymic disorder (chronic depression) due to exposure in the Persian Gulf War. The veteran's conditions are presumed to be related to his military service.

The veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection were denied as the evidence did not support a finding of additional disability due to his service-connected low back disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete medical records and a need for further examination regarding the relationship between the appellant's service-connected bilateral knee disabilities and his cervical spine disability.

The veteran's right knee mild osteoarthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board found that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board finds that the veteran's left knee condition did not have its onset during service or within one year of service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.