Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2000

The veteran's appeal is about his service-connected pes planus with plantar fasciitis and degenerative arthritis, including bilateral great toe dysfunction in need of surgical treatment. The RO must schedule the veteran for an appropriate VA examination to evaluate the severity of these conditions.

The Board dismissed the veteran's appeals because they were not timely filed within the required time limits.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no competent medical evidence linking these disabilities to his period of active service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and an increased rating for left acetabular rim degenerative arthritis, finding no evidence of such disorders being incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board found no evidence of chronic left knee or ankle disabilities prior to service and denied the veteran's claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for low back strain is not well grounded. The additional documentation submitted with regard to her right knee lateral instability with osteoarthritis constitutes new and material evidence, allowing her claim to be reopened.

The Board has denied all claims for increased evaluations as there is no evidence of more than slight instability or flexion limitation in the knees, and no objective evidence of painful motion. The preponderance of the evidence supports a finding that the current 10 percent ratings are appropriate.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the veteran's service-connected left leg disability is aggravated by his coexisting degenerative arthritis and suprapatellar calcific tendinitis or bursitis of the left knee, and to consider whether separate ratings are warranted.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a lower back disorder due to new evidence. Service connection is granted.,Service connection is also granted for agoraphobia with panic attacks, linked to an in-service incident.

The veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for his service-connected right ankle fracture residuals and lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis were denied as the veteran failed to report for a scheduled VA examination.

The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's right ankle fracture with osteoarthritis prior to January 30, 1996 and denied any increase in rating. The low back disorder is rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension on account of aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Board found that the veteran does not have any of the claimed conditions as a result of his service, to include on a presumptive basis, or on the basis of aggravation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial disability evaluations for his service-connected deviated nasal septum, degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, and degenerative osteoarthritis of the right hip. The maximum schedular ratings were already assigned.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for special monthly pension benefits due to her income exceeding the statutory limit, and also denied her claim based on unemployability due to her disabilities. The case is remanded for a statement of the case regarding these issues.