Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2004

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected left patella fracture with osteoarthritis does not warrant a rating in excess of the currently assigned 10 percent, as it does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder was denied. The issue of new and material evidence for cervical osteoarthritis and left shoulder disorder was granted, but the veteran's request for a compensable evaluation for his left wrist ganglion cyst was denied.,The veteran has not provided sufficient evidence to establish that his current conditions are related to service.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder, including degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and cervical spondylosis. The veteran's claim was based on direct service connection.

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for his dorsal spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and development of claims file.

The veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine is being remanded due to changes in the relevant regulations concerning spine disorders.

The Board has granted service connection for the veteran's left distal femoral fracture as secondary to his service-connected left thigh injury residuals. The increased rating claim is also granted.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee with left total knee replacement and assigned a compensable rating (10%) for the patella scar. The decision also denied an increased rating for the patella scar.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for osteoporosis and polyarthritis, finding that these conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his lumbosacral spine disability was granted, with a current rating of 50 percent effective April 10, 2000.

The Board found no evidence that the veteran was unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities within one year prior to November 2, 2000. Therefore, an earlier effective date for TDIU is not warranted.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to a withdrawal of the appeal by the appellant's representative prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current low back disability to service and denied his claim for a compensable evaluation for malaria. The veteran's claims were not granted.

The veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to procedural issues and the need for additional development.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected traumatic osteoarthritis of the spine with leg weakness is primarily manifested by marked restriction in range of motion, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has granted an initial disability evaluation of 20 percent for residuals of a fractured right ankle, effective from the date of the decision.