Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2010

The Veteran's death was caused by a cerebrovascular accident, due to or as a consequence of arteriosclerotic cerebrovascular disease, advanced age, severe degenerative arthritis, and dementia with memory loss. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary to establish service connection for the cause of death.

The Board has determined that osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and compensation under various provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151, as well as a TDIU.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for DIC based on a new and material evidence finding, but found that she is not entitled to SMP due to her inability to require regular aid and attendance of another person.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated as 20 percent disabling due to chronic pain resulting in limited forward flexion. The Board finds that the criteria for a higher rating are not met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as another examination to assess the severity of his service-connected cervical spine disability and varicose veins.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current osteoarthritis of the left knee is not related to his military service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for chondromalacia of the right knee and assigned a 20% disability rating. The Veteran's left knee is rated at 30%, with an effective date prior to June 8, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in relying on a September 2008 VA opinion, which did not address whether the cumulative effect of parachute jumps during service caused or was related to the Veteran's current back disability. The case is now returned for further examination and consideration.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for an increased evaluation for his right knee disability and service connection for tinnitus, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating or service connection.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including arthritis and ACL tear, has been rated based on the residuals of a total knee replacement since September 1, 2009. The current rating is for pain and limited motion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee arthritis and nose disability are not service-connected due to lack of medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral pes planus is service-connected and an initial noncompensable rating for his osteoarthritis of the right first metatarsal is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected right hand, wrist, and left lower leg shrapnel wounds are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran is in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person, warranting special monthly pension benefits.

The Board found insufficient evidence to separate a right ankle disorder from the already service-connected bilateral heel disorder with calcaneal spurs and degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's claim for a distinct right ankle disability was denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to a need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling an examination.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the spine was granted, and his effective date for service connection was set at October 29, 2002. The Board found that prior to July 22, 2009, the Veteran had slight limitation of range of motion of the lumbar spine but no incapacitating episodes or ankylosis. From July 22, 2009, his condition was characterized by moderate limitation of range of motion and loss of lateral motion with osteoarthritic changes.