Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2006

The Board denied an increased rating for the veteran's right ankle disability, finding that the current manifestations do not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has granted an apportionment of the veteran's VA disability compensation benefits in the amount of $100.00 monthly for his dependent child (M.S.). The issues of service connection for various conditions are not addressed as they were not part of this appeal.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current heart condition and osteoarthritis did not manifest within one year of discharge, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. The veteran's claims for service connection are therefore denied.

The Board has determined that the veteran's hospitalization at Norton Community Hospital for an emergency condition was necessary and that no feasible VA facilities were available, thus allowing reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses.

The VA denied the veteran's request for a higher rating for his right shoulder condition, finding that the evidence did not support a rating greater than 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's chronic bilateral foot disorder to include pes planus was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, active duty, and active duty for training. The veteran's lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease, degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis were granted service connection with a 10 percent evaluation effective October 23, 2001.

The Board found that the veteran's back disability, diagnosed as pseudogout, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. There is no competent evidence linking his current back disability to events during service.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for skin disease and polyarthritis due to exposure to Agent Orange. The veteran's service records show complaints of dermatomycosis pedis, furuncle, and recurrent rash during service. Post-service VA treatment records indicate ongoing issues with dermatitis, onychomycosis, and a possible tinea infection. Service connection for these conditions is remanded as the claims involve exposure to Agent Orange.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and for a VA examination to determine the nature, extent, and etiology of any knee, ankle, or foot disorders.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as intervertebral lumbar disc disease/degenerative arthritis, is related to his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine spondylolisthesis, left knee osteoarthritis, and psychological musculoskeletal disorder with headaches and depression. The RO previously awarded a 50 percent rating for the psychological condition.

The veteran's low back disability has been rated at 20 percent prior to November 28, 2005 and at 40 percent on and after that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating for any period.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for joint pain and osteoarthritis, finding that they were not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current left knee disability is related to a left knee injury incurred in service. The issue of entitlement to service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee and degenerative joint disease, lumbar spine, will be adjudicated on both direct service connection and secondary service connection bases.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee and a rating in excess of 10 percent for chondromalacia patella of the right knee, finding no evidence of current disability or aggravation.