Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2007

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, and left lower extremity disabilities. The VA examinations showed limited motion in both the cervical and lumbar spines, but no evidence of muscle spasms or abnormal spinal contours resulting in an abnormal gait.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current back, knee, hip, and elbow disabilities are related to his active military service. The claims for these conditions have been granted.

The Board found that the reduction of the rating for the service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee from 30% to 10% was void ab initio due to insufficient evidence supporting the reduction.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not meet the schedular criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has granted a 60 percent evaluation for the veteran's left knee disability, effective August 5, 2005. The condition is rated as severe with significant limitation of motion and weakness.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to recent medical records and examinations.

The veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis have been rated at 60 percent since July 10, 2004. The lumbar spine degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis have been rated at 40 percent since October 4, 1996.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left and right knees, finding no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his time in service. The claim for an increased rating for bilateral pes planus was also denied.

The Board has granted a disability rating of 30 percent for the veteran's right knee lateral meniscal tear, status post arthroscopic surgery, effective from April 24, 2006. The previous rating was 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's right shoulder condition, including impingement and history of elastofibroma, was not incurred in or aggravated by active service. The cervical spine disc herniation was also not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The veteran's claims for service connection and increased disability ratings were denied. The Board found that the current knee disabilities are not related to his military service, and the ankle disability was not rated higher than 10 percent.

The veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for osteoarthritis of the right ankle was granted, and his effective date for service connection was set at August 14, 1975.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and osteoarthritis of the right hand were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating or a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The effective date of the award was granted.

The Board denied all claims, finding that the veteran's conditions do not warrant higher ratings based on current medical evidence and examination findings.

The veteran's appeal is remanded due to deficiencies in the most recent VA examination, specifically regarding range of motion testing and functional loss. A new VA examination is required.

The Board has determined that the veteran's employment was not marginal and her TDIU rating was terminated effective January 1, 2008.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbodorsosacral spine, finding that the evidence did not support assignment of a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including residuals of a right knee injury and secondary disabilities. The denial is based on lack of evidence showing in-service or post-service continuity of symptomatology.

The Board denied an increased disability rating for the service-connected right knee disorder, currently evaluated as 10 percent disabling.