Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2009

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the increased evaluations for his service-connected osteoarthritis, left and right hips; chondromalacia patella and anterior cruciate ligament deficiency, left knee; and patello-femoral syndrome, right knee; as well as entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are related to service. The case is being remanded for further examination and consideration of the evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spur is not currently manifested by X-ray evidence of degenerative arthritis or moderate foot impairment, thus he is not entitled to a compensable rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee, left shoulder, and neck disorders are not related to her military service. The VA examiner concluded these conditions are more likely due to a civilian motor vehicle accident in 2001.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral ankle, knee, low back strain and left sacroiliac joint strain disabilities have been granted initial disability ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been granted increased evaluations, with the effective date being January 22, 2009.

The Board finds that there is no medical evidence linking the Veteran's current left hand disability to his service, and thus denies the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right great toe fracture residuals warrant a 20 percent rating, reflecting moderately severe disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder and bilateral knee disorders are not related to his active duty service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his degenerative disc disease of L4/L5 and degenerative osteoarthritis of lumbar spine, currently evaluated as 40 percent disabling beginning March 11, 2004, was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic back disorder in service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and increased the rating for right knee disability. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to in-service noise exposure, while his right knee impairment is rated based on limitation of motion.

The Veteran's left hip disability, characterized as posterior hip fracture dislocation including the femoral head and acetabulum with cystic changes and avascular necrosis, is currently rated at 30 percent. The appeal has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's eye disability and back disability did not manifest during service or are related to service. Therefore, these claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining workers' compensation records and scheduling VA examinations to address the relationship between his current knee and ankle disorders and his military service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and he is granted service connection for degenerative joint disease with osteoarthritis and meniscal tear of the left knee. The increased rating claim for the right knee was denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular requirements for assignment of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is at least as likely as not caused by an in-service injury, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.