Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2000

The Board found that the veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder was not well-grounded due to lack of competent medical evidence linking his current osteoarthritis to service.

The veteran's claim for a permanent and total disability rating for pension purposes was denied as his disabilities did not meet the criteria for such a rating.

The Board found that the appellant's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for aggravation of osteoarthritis of the right knee was not well-grounded and denied the claim.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee and an increased evaluation for his skin condition, ichthyosis with dyshidrosis.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and a compensable evaluation for shell fragment wound scars of the left leg, to include the left knee. The claim for service connection was found not well-grounded due to lack of evidence linking current disability to military service. The claim for residuals of shell fragment wounds was denied as there were no indications of impaired function or tender/painful scarring.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the hands and a conversion reaction, with depression due to lack of evidence establishing a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Board found no competent evidence to support the veteran's claim that his current hip disability was incurred or aggravated by service, and thus denied the claim.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is denied. The Board found that the disability does not warrant a higher rating based on current medical evidence and diagnostic criteria. Additionally, the veteran's claim for individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is also denied as there is no evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation solely by reason of his service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claim for TDIU was denied due to his service-connected disabilities not meeting the criteria for individual unemployability. The Board requested additional medical evidence to determine if the veteran's service-connected conditions, combined with any nonservice-connected conditions, render him unable to work.

The Board granted a 50 percent evaluation for postoperative residuals of surgery for herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) of the cervical spine with osteoarthritis and upper extremity radiculopathy, effective February 26, 1993. The veteran's claim for total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities was also granted since March 1, 1997.

The veteran's appeal was granted, and he is now entitled to service connection for his claimed conditions. However, the specific rating assigned and effective date are not provided in this decision.

The Board denied service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for post operative traumatic arthritis of the right knee. The decision is being reviewed on grounds of clear and unmistakable error.

The Board found that the veteran's claim was not well-grounded because there is no evidence of a relationship between any current disability and an injury incurred in or aggravated by the January 1975 VA surgery.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected arthritis of multiple joints with bilateral total knee replacement contributed substantially to cause his death.

The veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on a need for regular aid and assistance, or based on permanent housebound status is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.