Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2009

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a spinal disorder, leg disorder, and penile disorder. The evidence did not establish that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran seeks service connection for osteoarthritis of the lower lumbar spine and thoracolumbar spine. The Board finds additional questions must be addressed, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral leg peripheral neuropathy and bilateral hand arthritis and neuralgia are not directly related to his service, including as residuals of frostbite. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and Morton's neuroma with osteoarthritis of the right foot were denied. The claim for an increased rating for low back strain was also denied, but remanded due to conflicting evidence.

The Veteran's right knee instability and arthritis have been rated at 30 percent since July 1, 2008. The medical evidence shows chronic residuals of pain and weakness following his May 2007 surgery.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include multiple knee conditions, a scalp laceration, and restrictive airway disease. The appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence regarding his new claims and VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including osteoarthritis of the right hip and knee, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (claimed as a heart disorder), left hip dislocation, ocular hypertension, urethra neuritis, and prostate cancer. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right ankle, right knee, and left knee warrants initial ratings of 20 percent for the right ankle and 10 percent each for the right and left knees since January 31, 2006.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disorder, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, and hand tremors. The Veteran's claims were not substantiated by the submitted evidence.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the appellant's claims of service connection for a left shoulder and left knee disability. The preponderance of the evidence does not show that these disabilities are related to her military service.

The Veteran's degenerative bone disease and osteoarthritis are not related to his active service, including exposure to insecticides. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against the claims.

The Veteran's left eye disability, including subluxation of the lens, was incurred during active duty service. The claim for a bilateral knee disability has been reopened and granted.

The VA determined that the right knee osteoarthritis is not related to service-connected left knee osteoarthritis or inservice injury, and thus denied the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 40 percent, which reflects the limitation of motion and instability. The lumbar spine condition is also rated at 20 percent.

The Board has remanded the case to consider the merits of the accrued benefits claim, including service connection for a lung disorder and osteoarthritis as well as a request to reopen a claim for service connection for a heart condition.

The Veteran's conditions are service-connected, but the evidence does not show he is in need of regular aid and attendance or permanently housebound.

The appellant's conditions do not render her in need of regular aid and attendance of another person, as she is able to perform daily activities independently.