Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2007

The Board has determined that the veteran's post-operative right knee surgery, including a scar and osteoarthritis, is service-connected as it resulted from an injury incurred prior to service.

The veteran's left shoulder dislocation residuals are manifested by limitation of motion, pain on motion, mild osteoarthritis, and recurrent spontaneous dislocations. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent have not been met.

The veteran's claim for service connection for hyperlipidemia was denied as the condition is not a disability for VA compensation purposes. The Board also notes that further examination may be needed to determine if hypertension and hiatal hernia are related to service.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is being remanded due to issues related to the extent and nature of his disability, including whether there are separate symptomatology from that associated with the lumbar spine.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for left hip degenerative arthritis, finding that his current range of motion does not meet the criteria for the requested increased ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's preexisting pes planus increased in severity due to his active duty service, and therefore grants service connection for bilateral pes planus. The issue of generalized osteoarthritis is REMANDED.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis is related to service or his left knee disability.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar spine fracture residuals with degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for a new examination to assess the current severity of his condition.

The veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities have been granted higher ratings, with a separate rating for instability. The right shoulder arthritis remains at the current 10 percent level.

The veteran's right knee disability, characterized by osteoarthritis and a history of fracture, does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that the veteran's bilateral hip osteoarthritis is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability and was not incurred in or aggravated by service, directly or presumptively.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected spondylolisthesis, L4-5 with osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence did not warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection based on the claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection for chronic bilateral hearing loss disability, chronic osteoarthritis with arthralgia, gout, and chronic hypertension are all denied as there is no evidence of these conditions during active service or within one year post-service.

The Board denied reopening of the veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, psoriasis, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and both knees. The new evidence submitted since the last denial was not considered material.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including basal cell carcinoma of the left ear and arthritis in multiple joints. The decision also denied an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the right shoulder disability.

The veteran's claims for increased evaluation of bilateral hearing loss and service connection for degenerative arthritis of the knees are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, finding no evidence of a nexus to service.

The Board denied a higher rating for the veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left acromioclavicular joint due to chronic dislocation, finding that the current disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for a compensable evaluation under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for the VA to obtain updated treatment records and conduct a VA examination to assess his service-connected low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The veteran will also be provided an opportunity to respond to the Supplemental Statement of the Case.