Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2011

The Board denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings and discontinuance of SMC based on loss of use of the right foot. The issues were related to PTSD, spinal stenosis with degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including scheduling VA examinations and obtaining additional medical records.

The Board has granted a 10 percent initial rating for the Veteran's neck pain, associated with surgical scar and residuals of neck carbuncle. The condition is productive of slight limitation of motion but not severe enough to warrant higher ratings.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected bulging disc/stenosis of L4-5 with degenerative arthritis and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, including on an extra-schedular basis. The case is being returned to the RO for further action.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right elbow with limitation of motion is currently rated at 10 percent, effective April 28, 2006.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder was not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, by any form of paralysis, or by incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during any twelve month term prior to January 8, 2008. The claim for increased rating is denied.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lower lumbar spine is not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees or the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees, which are required for a higher rating. The current disability picture does not meet these criteria.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities, as well as his ulnar neuropathy disabilities and thyroid disability have been denied. The RO has assigned noncompensable or initial compensable ratings based on the criteria provided.

The Veteran's appeals for additional temporary total evaluations and increased ratings for his service-connected knee replacements were denied. The Board found no legal basis for the requested increases.

The Veteran's right knee disability and scar were evaluated, with the right knee disability receiving a 20% evaluation. The arthritis of the right knee was separately rated as noncompensable.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. The evidence shows that the Veteran had a pre-existing arthritis condition prior to his entry into active duty, which was aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations.

The Veteran seeks service connection for left hip, lumbar spine, and left knee disorders secondary to his service-connected torn right meniscus with degenerative changes. The Board finds that a remand is necessary due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has granted increased disability ratings of 20 percent for the service-connected degenerative arthritis of both hips, resolving doubt in favor of the Veteran.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his right knee, left hip, and cervical spine conditions were denied. The RO found that the Veteran's range of motion in these joints did not meet criteria warranting a higher rating.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions, including whether they are related to service. The Veteran will be scheduled for examinations to address these issues.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for osteoarthritis of the left knee is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and additional records.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional examinations and opinions to determine the relationship between his tinnitus and service, as well as the current severity of his left arm disability. The claims will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for bilateral knee disorder, bilateral shoulder disorder, and degenerative arthritis. The evidence did not show continuity of symptomatology or a link between current conditions and service.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated as 10 percent disabling, his right and left knee disabilities are each rated as 10 percent disabling, and his left ankle disability prior to August 6, 2010, was also rated as 10 percent disabling. After that date, the disability was rated as noncompensable.