Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2010

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and left hip internal derangement, finding that the Veteran's pre-existing conditions were aggravated by his time in military service.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU rating is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical, back, and dorsal spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the claim for increased rating has been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right shoulder, left ankle, and bilateral knee conditions have been granted. The diagnoses are all related to in-service injuries or diseases.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected lower back disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and review of diagnostic testing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by service and arthritis of the right knee may not be presumed to have been incurred in service. The appeal is denied.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is necessary to determine the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities and whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has granted a separate 20 percent rating for moderate instability of the right knee.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis and compression fracture of the D12, L1 and L2 have been rated at 40 percent since June 5, 2006. This rating is based on the limitation of motion in the cervical spine.

The Board finds the medical evidence of record is in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities are manifested by the loss or permanent loss of use of one or both feet. As a result, the claim for certification of eligibility for automotive and adaptive equipment is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of fractured right (major) fifth metacarpal are manifested by limitation of motion, but no x-ray evidence of arthritis. The RO has determined that the disability does not warrant a higher rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for his claims of service connection for various conditions, including bilateral eye disability, left ankle and foot disabilities, asbestosis, right hip osteoarthritis with labral tears, left knee disability, and left hip tear. The RO found that new and material evidence had not been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for an eye disability.

The Veteran's right knee disability was found to meet the criteria for a 30 percent rating prior to October 11, 2005.

The Board has determined that the current evaluations for the Veteran's bilateral ankle disabilities are appropriate, as her symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disc pathology of the lumbar spine is rated at 40 percent, and he is granted a separate 10 percent evaluation for mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person was denied as he is not so nearly helpless as to require regular aid and attendance. The claim for housebound benefits was also denied due to his ability to perform most daily activities.

The Veteran's current right and left knee disorders are not service-connected. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against a finding that any current knee disorder is related to his active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the extent of his service-connected disabilities and any bilateral wrist disability, as well as whether these conditions are related to service or a service-connected disorder.