Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2011

The Veteran's right knee disability, specifically osteoarthritis of the right patella, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as his range of motion and functional impairment do not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to the need for clarification of the nature and etiology of the Veteran's posttraumatic osteoarthritis and cerebrovascular insufficiency.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for hemochromatosis and osteoarthritis of the shoulders and hands, finding that his condition did not pre-exist service or worsen during service. The arthritis was attributed to his underlying hemochromatosis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, when considered in light of his educational and occupational background, are of such severity as to preclude him from obtaining or maintaining any form of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's right knee disability was initially rated at 10 percent from October 1, 2010. The rating has been increased to 20 percent effective October 1, 2010.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to a lack of consideration of the Veteran's report of continuity of symptoms following service. The claim is being returned to the examiner who provided the July 2011 opinion for clarification.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for DDD of the lumbar spine, right knee osteoarthritis, and mood disorder due to new evidence submitted since the last final denial. The claims are being reviewed de novo.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim for service connection for osteoarthritis, which is now granted. The Veteran's depression is also found to be proximately due to his service-connected osteoarthritis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received sufficient to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection of degenerative arthritis or disc disease of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's current low back disability is more likely related to normal wear and tear of the spine, rather than his active duty.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining service treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's current back disorder is related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected DJD of the right foot is currently rated at 20 percent, effective March 8, 2007. The claim for a higher rating prior to that date remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right scaphoid fracture, nonunion with osteoarthritis is service-connected as it is considered to have originated during his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of left shoulder disorder, cervical spine disorder, and right foot disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development. The claim for an increased evaluation for PTSD remains pending.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development of his private treatment records and a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected osteoarthritis of the spine and its associated lumbar radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, as well as left leg radiculopathy. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is found to have its onset in service, while his left leg radiculopathy is found to be causally connected to his lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that additional notice and development are needed before the claims can be decided.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the initial extraschedular evaluation in excess of 20 percent for residuals of a fracture of the distal tibia and fibula with degenerative arthritis of the right ankle and an anterior tarsal syndrome.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for hypothyroidism, difficulty breathing, and cervical osteoarthritis (claimed as neck swelling) was denied. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a chronic right knee disorder, including gout, degenerative joint disease, and osteoarthritis. The Board has remanded the case to obtain additional medical records and to schedule the Veteran for a VA joints examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him unemployable.