Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2000

The Board denied service connection for residuals of head and thumb injuries, finding them to be the result of the veteran's own misconduct. Service connection was granted for osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine with a rating in excess of 20 percent not being warranted.

The Board has granted service connection for the appellant's degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, finding that they are proximately due to his service-connected contusion in the lumbosacral region. The claim for an increased rating for residuals of a contusion in the lumbosacral region is remanded.

The veteran's death was not caused by his service-connected disabilities. The veteran did not meet the criteria for DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, and there is no entitlement to dependents' education benefits.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability warrants a 30 percent rating, effective from May 1, 1994. The claim for additional compensation benefits for his spouse was granted and effective July 1, 1997.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the left hip and a 10 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the right hip, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 10 percent for chondromalacia patella of the right and left knees, effective from September 8, 1997.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection due to lack of evidence supporting his claims.

The Board denied increased ratings for postoperative right meniscectomy tear with fracture at old screw site, postoperative right tibial tubercoplasty with osteoarthritis and laxity and instability of the right knee.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for her service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to inadequate examination findings. The RO must obtain VA orthopedic and neurologic evaluations, including range of motion testing and assessments of intervertebral disc syndrome (IDS), to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected right knee disability warrants a 30 percent evaluation, as there are no chronic residuals of severe painful motion or weakness. The left knee disorder is found to be related to the service-connected right knee disorder.

The veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to insufficient examination findings. The case will be reviewed again after additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA orthopedic examination.

The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disorder, including osteoarthritis, was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an effective date prior to July 17, 1997 for the increase in special monthly compensation for accrued benefit purposes.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back symptoms are primarily due to a work-related injury in 1990 and age, rather than service connection.

The Board has found the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of a left ankle injury and osteoarthritis to be well grounded. The RO must consider the veteran's claim for an increased rating for hypertension under both the old and new rating criteria.