Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2008

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his left shoulder disability, which is currently rated at 20 percent. The evidence showed that the veteran had limited motion in the shoulder but no significant weakness or other functional limitations.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed hypertensive vascular disease and degenerative arthritis are not related to service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's claims for service connection for scalp lesions, allergies, prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia, bilateral knee arthritis, and bilateral ankle arthritis are being remanded due to insufficient evidence.,Service connection is granted for scalp lesions (including folliculitis decalvans, lichen planopilaris, and scarring alopecia).

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and chronic low back pain and osteoarthritis of the spine, finding no new and material evidence to reopen the claim.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for a higher initial rating of 20 percent for his right elbow osteoarthritis, which was initially rated in March 2003.

The Board has determined that the service-connected generalized anxiety disorder contributed substantially to the veteran's death, and thus grants service connection for the cause of death.

The Board granted a 30 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, effective March 15, 2004. The claim for TDIU was also granted.

The veteran withdrew his appeal, resulting in the dismissal of all issues.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right shoulder disability was rated as noncompensable prior to December 16, 2005, and at 20 percent thereafter. Sleep apnea remains at a 50 percent rating. Service connection for the neck condition and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy were denied.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right hip and chronic lumbar strain, both found to be secondary to service-connected disabilities of the knees.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and conducting examinations to determine the current severity of the veteran's service-connected conditions.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records from VA facilities. The specific issues of increased evaluations for his right knee conditions are not addressed as service connection theory, exposure basis, or rating assignment are unknown.

The Board has reopened the veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral shoulder disability and finds that it is at least as likely as not related to his military service. The veteran also has been granted service connection for a bilateral knee disability.,The VA examination report indicates that the veteran's current bilateral shoulder and knee disabilities are more likely than not attributable to his in-service activities, including strenuous physical activity during training and combat.

The veteran's claims for service connection, increased rating, and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of newly submitted evidence.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of hyperthyroidism status post partial thyroidectomy was denied. The claims for service connection for lumbar scoliosis with degenerative arthritis and osteoporosis were both reopened due to new evidence, but the direct service connection theories were not met.

The Board denied the veteran's claim of entitlement to an effective date earlier than May 18, 2004 for TDIU. The RO assigned TDIU on a schedular basis as of May 18, 2004.

The Board has granted service connection for a dental condition as secondary to service-connected diabetes mellitus (DM). The remaining claims are remanded for further action.

The veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and he is granted TDIU. His degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine does not warrant a higher initial rating.

The VA denied the veteran's request for an increased evaluation of his low back strain with osteoarthritis, currently rated at 40 percent.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a right hip disability, but finds that it is not related to the veteran's service-connected left leg condition.