Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2008

The Board has determined that the veteran's left shoulder disability, including rotator cuff tear and degenerative arthritis, is at least as likely as not related to his service-connected left knee disabilities.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and clinical records of his VA treatment. The issues are whether he should receive a higher initial evaluation for his left knee condition or be granted TDIU.

The Board has determined that the veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left knee with subsequent total knee replacement was not incurred in or aggravated by active service, may not be presumed to have been so incurred and is not proximately due to or the result of a service connected disability. The criteria for an increased rating for chondromalacia of the left knee have also not been met.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current bilateral ear condition or back disability to his military service, and thus denied both claims.

The Board found that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to the veteran's left knee condition, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's current bilateral foot disorders, including pes planus, talonavicular osteoarthritis and plantar fasciitis, were not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The examiner opined that these conditions are more likely related to his obesity rather than his service-connected knee and ankle disabilities.

The Board has determined that the veteran does not have multiple joint osteoarthritis secondary to his service-connected traumatic arthritis of L1 vertebrae.

The veteran received unauthorized medical care for psychiatric and addiction services. The claim is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for payment under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1725.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disorders, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service. The examiner could not provide an opinion regarding the etiology of the diagnosed conditions due to lack of records from service.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for post-operative residuals of a right knee injury, based on severe instability/subluxation.

The Board granted service connection for a right shoulder disorder and increased the rating to 10 percent for bilateral hearing loss. The veteran's Morton's neuroma of the right foot was rated at 10 percent, effective March 4, 2005. The Board denied an increase in the rating for his right foot condition.

The Board has granted the veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip replacement and degenerative arthritis of the left hip, finding that there is sufficient evidence to support these claims.

The Board has remanded the veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete medical records and need for further examination.

The Board denied an increased rating for the residuals of a right knee injury and denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the left knee.