Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating.

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.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the knees and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine as they were not proximately due to, or the result of, the Veteran's service-connected residuals of a left foot injury.

The Veteran was granted an evaluation of 50 percent for residuals of a shrapnel wound of the right thigh with compound comminuted fracture of the right femur and degenerative arthritis of the right knee, effective January 22, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected chondromalacia of the right and left knees, with degenerative arthritis, were rated at 10 percent each due to pain, crepitus, tenderness, and limited motion. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted.

The claim for service connection for cervical spine osteoarthritis was not reopened as new and material evidence was not submitted. The veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine due to a lack of evidence supporting a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of crushing injury to the left hand, finding no competent medical evidence linking the current condition to active duty service. The Board remanded the issue of entitlement to a compensable disability evaluation for scars of the right hand to the Regional Office.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 30 percent for his right knee disability, as there was no evidence of limitation of flexion to less than 30 degrees or extension to more than 5 degrees.

The veteran's service-connected left knee disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining any form of gainful employment, and he is eligible for special monthly compensation based on the loss of use of his left foot.

The Board denied service connection for allergic dermatitis/cutanea tarda and lymphadenopathy as they were not shown to be related to the Veteran's active duty service, including alleged exposure to herbicides.

The claims of service connection for sleep apnea and a cervical spine disability are remanded for further development.

The Board remands the claim for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's thoracolumbar osteoarthritis disability.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine were granted separate disability ratings, while his generalized osteoarthritis of the hands and elbow did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral pes planus and denied initial disability ratings in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of L5, S1 with mild retrolisthesis, as well as noncompensable ratings for shin splints of the right and left legs, residuals of a left ankle fracture, and bilateral plantar fasciitis.

The Board granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, resolving reasonable doubt in the Veteran's favor.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable criteria.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for higher initial ratings, earlier effective dates and service connection for a heart condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings or a grant of service connection.