Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2008

The veteran's claims were dismissed due to his death.

The Board denied service connection for a back strain with spondylosis, hepatitis C, right elbow disability, and residuals of a right great toe fracture. The veteran's initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee lateral meniscectomy was also denied.

The veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is not shown to be more severe than currently rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, tinnitus, and a respiratory condition, to include asbestosis, were denied. The veteran was also found not entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for an upper and lower jaw disability and osteoarthritis, as there was no evidence of a current disability or a relationship to service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not support a higher evaluation.

The veteran's service connection claim for depressive disorder and anxiety disorder was granted, while the claim for PTSD was denied.

The Board denied service connection for the various disabilities claimed, as there was no evidence of a relationship between any of these conditions and the veteran's period of active duty.

The veteran's initial rating for his left foot disability was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings, finding that his lumbar strain with lumbar spondylosis and degenerative arthritis of both knees did not warrant higher disability evaluations.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, peripheral neuropathy of the feet, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, and an acquired psychiatric disorder.

The veteran's service-connected left hip osteoarthritis does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent from September 24, 2002.

The veteran's service-connected disabilities, rated at 60 percent combined, do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining any regular substantially gainful employment.

The veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine was remanded for an additional VA examination to determine the current severity of the disability.