Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his thoracic and lumbar spine disability was granted, with an initial 20 percent rating effective June 18, 2005. The current range of motion findings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not have any injuries to his right shoulder or right knee during periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the left hip and residuals of medial and lateral menisectomies of the left knee were denied as there is no evidence showing that either condition warrants a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for her service-connected low back disability is granted, with a rating of 10 percent prior to March 15, 2006 and 40 percent since that date.

The Veteran's service connection claims for early degenerative arthritis of the left hip and bilateral knee disorder (joint pain) are denied as they do not meet the criteria for establishing service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy and a skin disease, were denied as secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 40 percent, as there were no findings of incapacitating episodes or ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including a medical opinion by a VA orthopedic specialist regarding his service-connected left knee and right hip disabilities. The claims will be adjudicated again once this development is completed.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and his T-9 compression fracture does not warrant an extraschedular evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a verified in-service stressor for PTSD, and there was no indication of exposure to herbicide or asbestos during service.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the right knee is manifested by range of motion from 0 to 90 degrees with pain and mild edema. The Board found no additional limitation due to pain, fatigue, weakness or lack of endurance following repetitive use. A higher rating was not warranted under DeLuca criteria.

The Board denied service connection for gastritis, migraines, and degenerative arthritis of the right knee. The Veteran's migraines were presumed to have existed prior to service and were not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of an earlier effective date for a separate rating for left knee osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patellae. The initial compensable rating issue remains at issue.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. J.P. and any other relevant treatment or evaluation records.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current neck and headache disorders to his service, including a parachute jump injury. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's claim for an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 39 is being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional orthopedic and neurological examinations.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection claims due to exposure to ionizing radiation, including an examination of the Veteran's occupational history and potential exposure.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent for the period from June 27, 2008, forward.,Prior to this date, his degenerative arthritis of the left knee was rated as 10 percent.