Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2009

The Board finds that the appellant is not in need of regular aid and attendance or substantially confined to her home due to her disabilities, and therefore does not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, while rated at a combined evaluation of 70 percent, do not preclude him from engaging in substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease-osteoarthritis, right and left rotator cuff disorders, and left hip replacement as there is no evidence of their onset during or within one year after service.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the left ankle, degenerative joint disease of the left shoulder, and status post rotator cuff repair of the right shoulder with degenerative joint disease. The Veteran's claims were not supported by medical evidence linking his current conditions to his military service.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for special monthly pension (SMP) by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance of another person or due to being permanently housebound, finding that her health disorders do not meet the criteria for SMP.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee injuries, chronic headaches, and a low back disability. The Veteran's knee conditions are not considered to be directly related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and providing Vazquez-Flores compliant notice.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the hips, knees, and feet due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to active military service.

The Veteran's claim for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only is denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for residuals of a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, Muscle Group I was granted. Additionally, he is now entitled to a separate disability rating for posttraumatic osteoarthritis due to his service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance has been denied as he does not meet the criteria of needing regular aid and attendance due to his medical conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and a need for further examination. The Veteran's claim will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee arthralgia and right knee internal derangement and degenerative arthritis, finding that the current disabilities are related to active military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lower back and right hip have been denied. The RO assigned separate ratings for each period, but did not grant the maximum available benefit.