Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the left thumb is currently manifested by decreased dexterity and minimal limitation of motion. The medical evidence does not show ankylosis or any other condition that would warrant a higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has granted a 10 percent evaluation for service-connected post-operative residuals of left medial meniscectomy and limitation of extension of the left knee. The claim for TDIU is referred to the AOJ.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU due to service-connected disability is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and evaluation by the Director of Compensation and Pension Service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, bilateral knee disability, and bilateral foot disability. The Veteran's claimed groin disability was not supported by evidence of record. Service connection was granted for residuals of pneumonia (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back and neck disorders are not related to his active service, including any exposure to Agent Orange or other environmental factors. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board denied service connection for abdominal aortic aneurysm, diabetes mellitus, and osteoarthritis of the knees due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to ionizing radiation exposure during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for certification for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's left hip and left knee disorders are found to have had their onset in service, with the Board granting service connection for these conditions on a secondary basis due to aggravation by his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's right and left shoulder disabilities, as well as his knee disability, have been denied higher ratings.,Service connection for a psychiatric disorder has been granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hand disorder and a back disorder due to insufficient competent medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Veteran is requested to provide additional evidence or argument.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left knee disability was granted, with the effective date being February 19, 2010. The Veteran is now rated at 30 percent for status post left knee ACL reconstruction.

The Veteran's right and left knee disorders have been rated at 10 percent since December 29, 2006. Separate ratings of 10 percent for instability in both knees are granted.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine conditions were rated, with the lumbar condition receiving a 40% rating effective from April 1, 2004. The Veteran also received separate ratings for radiculopathy in both upper and lower extremities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability is service-connected, as evidenced by mild degenerative changes and osteoarthritis found during various medical examinations. The Veteran was granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus, right and left ankle disabilities (osteoarthritis), and hallux rigidus have been rated at the maximum allowable under VA regulations. No further increased ratings are warranted.

The Board has found that the Veteran's left knee disorder was not incurred or aggravated by active service. The case is being remanded to obtain an opinion regarding whether her pre-existing hypertension was aggravated during service, and for a determination on her right shoulder injury claim.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis contributed substantially to his death from Alzheimer's disease, and the Board grants service connection for cause of death.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected DDD of the lumbar spine and OA of the left ankle were denied. The DDD of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability, including degenerative joint disease L4/L5 and osteoarthritis L5/S1, is related to his military service. The decision grants service connection for this condition.