Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his diagnosed arthritis disabilities.

The Veteran's death was attributed to respiratory insufficiency and advanced dementia. The appellant contends that his service-connected PTSD aggravated these conditions, contributing to his death.

The Veteran's service-connected post-operative degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, but he contends that his disability warrants a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for recurrent epistaxis and hypertension due to exposure to herbicides in Vietnam. The Veteran's right great toe arthritis is granted, but his other conditions remain under review.

The Veteran's right knee disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis), is currently rated at 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that any of these conditions warranted a rating higher than 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied. The RO found that prior to January 23, 2007, his disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is rated at 30 percent, and his left arm neuropathy is rated at 60 percent. Both conditions meet the criteria for these ratings based on their severity.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for left knee manifestations with osteoarthritis due to altered gait, since January 28, 2003, was denied by the RO. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the limited range of motion of the left knee.

The Veteran's chondromalacia patellae of the left and right knees are rated at 10 percent each, effective December 10, 2009. Service connection for a genitourinary disability is granted.

The Board has granted the Veteran's requests for increased evaluations for his service-connected bilateral knee osteoarthritis, assigning a 10 percent evaluation each for limitation of flexion in both knees as of April 25, 2006. The Board also found that an additional 10 percent evaluation is warranted for limitation of extension in both knees.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for service-connected left ankle sprain has been denied due to lack of evidence demonstrating marked or moderate limitation of motion, painful motion, or other functional impairment. The Veteran's osteoarthritis with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbosacral spine is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by internal derangement and hypertrophic degenerative arthritis, was found to not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. The disability did not result in limitation of motion or instability that would warrant higher ratings under relevant diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected knee, neck, back, and PTSD disabilities were denied. The Board found that the current evaluations did not adequately reflect the severity of the disabilities.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left hip, claimed as bursitis, is found to be secondary to her service-connected left knee disorder. The right knee disorder is also found to be secondary to her service-connected left knee disorder.

The Veteran's death was determined to be service-connected, and he was in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. The Appellant is therefore entitled to accrued benefits for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disorders, including spondylosis, degenerative disc disease, and osteoarthritis, are attributable to service. The evidence supports a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for his ulnar neuritis or elbow disability, nor did it meet the criteria for an initial compensable rating for hemorrhoids.