Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2009

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development of evidence related to the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis, left hip, with aseptic necrosis of the femur head.

The Board denied a claim for higher ratings, finding that the Veteran's post-operative fusion at C5-6 with arthritis and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with left L2-4 radiculopathy did not warrant an evaluation higher than 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected right peroneal neuropathy was rated at 40 percent, and he was granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis as secondary to the right peroneal neuropathy.

The Board denied an increased rating for right ankle osteoarthritis and left knee osteoarthritis with medial joint space narrowing, as the evidence did not support a higher disability rating.

The Board denied the application to reopen a claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, as new and material evidence was not received.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and adjudication of the issues on appeal.

The veteran's lumbar and right ankle disabilities were granted increased ratings, while the cervical spine disability was denied an increase. Service connection for a left foot/ankle disorder as secondary to service-connected residuals of fracture of the right distal tibia and right fifth toe was established.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not warrant increased ratings for any of the periods under consideration.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the residuals of a left humerus fracture (minor) with degenerative arthritis, as there was no evidence of limitation of motion to shoulder level or nonunion or malunion of the joint.

The case is remanded to obtain additional evidence relevant to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including a new VA examination.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for PTSD and a low back disability, but denied service connection for disabilities of the cervical and thoracic spine.

The Board remanded the case to the RO for additional development of the record.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and instability do not meet the criteria for ratings in excess of 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

The Veteran's left knee disability has been granted a rating of 20 percent since August 16, 2003.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar spondylosis, right knee conditions, and left knee degenerative changes were denied as the evidence did not support higher evaluations.

The veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, and increased ratings for the low back disorder, right knee disorder, right wrist disorder, left shoulder disorder, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity were denied.

The Board found no basis to assign a disability rating higher than 20 percent for the Veteran's osteoarthritis of both knees.

The veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded to schedule a new VA examination.

The veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left knee is related to a leg injury that occurred during military service.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings in excess of 10 percent for his right and left knee disabilities are being remanded for further development.