Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine condition is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records from Dr. McElroy.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total disability rating (TTR) for fused left ankle with traumatic spur and osteoarthritis and plantar fasciitis, based on treatment necessitating convalescence, was denied as there is no indication of additional surgery or severe postoperative residuals during the period in question.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his major depressive disorder and degenerative arthritis of the knees and spine, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's compound fracture of the upper third, left fibula has been rated at the highest available schedular rating (30%) throughout the appeal period. No new issues have arisen that would warrant a different rating.

The Veteran's right knee disorder, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis with instability, has been rated at 10% since November 23, 2009. The initial rating was granted in March 2008 and adjusted to the current level in March 2011.

The Board found that the Veteran's claims were denied as there was no evidence of a reduction in disability rating or service connection issues related to exposure. The maximum schedular ratings for her knee disabilities have been granted.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and a VA examination to determine if any current lumbar spine disability is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left ankle disorders are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining complete service treatment records and VA medical records.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened, but the Board is unable to decide whether his current conditions are related to military service due to a lack of a VA examination.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is found to be secondary to his service-connected disabilities, including osteoarthritis of the ankles and knees.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for osteoarthritis of the right thumb, residuals of fracture has been granted. The Board also found that his TDIU claim is substantiated and granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee condition, including degenerative arthritis of the right knee, was not incurred or aggravated by her military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability warrants a 10 percent evaluation effective from December 10, 2007. The initial rating was granted and is not in dispute.

The Board has received notification from the Appellant that he wishes to withdraw his claims for service connection for ankylosing spondylitis of the thoracolumbar and cervical spine, lateral epicondylitis of the right elbow, a right forearm injury, and degenerative arthritis of the right knee. As such, these claims are dismissed.

The Veteran's chronic lumbar and cervical strain, claimed as degenerative arthritis of the spine, did not manifest during or as a result of active military service.,The Veteran's umbilical hernia did not manifest during or as a result of active military service.

The Veteran's claim for an annual clothing allowance for 2008 related to his service-connected disabilities (degenerative arthritis of the bilateral knees) requiring metal braces that cause damage to his clothing was denied because the knee braces were procured in May 2008, which did not meet the eligibility criteria as they had to be purchased by August 1, 2007.

The Board found no evidence of a direct causal relationship between the Veteran's low back and left knee disabilities and his military service, thus denying service connection for these conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination and evaluation under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disability prevents him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and left knee disability, both secondary to a left ankle sprain, are being remanded due to additional evidence submitted since the last supplemental statement of the case.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left hand disability.