Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including right arm radial nerve neuropathy, shoulder rotator cuff repair, lumbar and cervical spine conditions, left and right knee surgeries, and GERD. The appeals were addressed in the context of initial ratings assigned.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The RO should clarify his representation status and schedule him for a hearing at the earliest available opportunity.

The Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development, including obtaining VA and private medical records, arranging for appropriate examinations to assess the severity of his service-connected low back disability, and adjudicating all issues on appeal.

The Veteran's low back disability has been rated at 10 percent since July 20, 2006. The VA found that the disability does not meet criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's currently diagnosed left knee degenerative arthritis is etiologically linked to his service, and thus grants the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for erectile dysfunction based on aggravation by the service-connected diabetes mellitus. The claim to reopen a previously denied service connection claim for osteoarthritis of wrists and hands was not supported by new and material evidence.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis was not incurred in or aggravated by service and may not be presumed to have been incurred therein due to his exposure to Agent Orange. The claim is therefore denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his current limitation of extension does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's disability evaluations for his right knee condition were reduced, but the Board finds that these reductions are not proper and thus denies them.

The Veteran seeks TDIU based on his service-connected right elbow, right wrist, left shoulder, and insomnia conditions. The case is being remanded for a VA examination to evaluate the impact of all of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current nature and severity of his knee disabilities and an opinion regarding whether his back disability was caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection have been granted, with the right knee disability being effective from March 12, 1979 and the left knee strain with osteoarthritis effective from February 20, 2001.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis and stenosis of the lumbar spine is not etiologically related to his period of active service, nor is it proximately due to or a result of his service-connected coccygodynia.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee patellofemoral osteoarthritis is related to his active service and grants entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent for the period from June 8, 2009 to April 4, 2011. The rating was increased based on limitation of flexion and extension.

The Veteran's service-connected right Achilles tendon repair with osteoarthritis, calcaneal spur, and healed right posterior ankle scar is shown to have been manifested by complaints of pain following heavy or prolonged use prior to July 20, 2009. The RO assigned a 10 percent rating for this period.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the appellant's withdrawal of his appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new joints examination and the provision of any missing VA medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and a VA examination.