Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left ankle was incurred during his second period of active duty in the Air Force from July 1958 to July 1962, and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his left knee and right ankle disabilities were denied by the Board. The initial rating for osteoarthritis of the left knee was found to be 10 percent, with no higher rating warranted. For patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee, a separate 10 percent rating was granted. Regarding the fracture of the right ankle with osteoarthritis, a combined 20 percent rating was assigned. The Veteran's claims for temporary total disability ratings due to surgery on his knees were also denied.

The Veteran's hand disability is not service-connected as his erysipelas did not exist prior to service and there is no current evidence of a chronic hand disability. The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of erysipelas or any other skin condition in his hands.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including his ACL injury and meniscal tear, resulted in a 10 percent rating prior to September 15, 2009. The Board granted an additional 10 percent rating for the period of August 24, 2006 to September 15, 2009.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot disorder, other than right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, is not service-connected. The case is being remanded for additional development to clarify the diagnosis and etiology of any currently diagnosed right foot disorder.

The Veteran's claims for right and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for further development. His claim for residuals of an anal fistula is not granted, and his claim for bilateral hearing loss has been denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings, finding that his claimed conditions were not related to his service-connected knee disabilities. The Veteran was also denied a TDIU claim.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability.,Service connection is granted for a right knee disability, as the Veteran's current condition originated during his active service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, with associated bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy, has not met the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent since January 8, 2008.

The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a low back disorder or an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD. The VA examiner concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support a diagnosis of PTSD and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA treatment records and to schedule him for examinations regarding his spine, left hip condition, and service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his service or service-connected disabilities, and thus denied both of his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board has granted a higher rating of 60 percent based on incapacitating episodes and associated radiculopathy.

The Veteran's appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a left knee injury has been withdrawn. The issues of maxillary sinusitis with retention cyst and right shoulder osteoarthritis are pending.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current lumbar spine disability related to his active service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have pes planus or osteoarthritis of the feet, but he was granted service connection for degenerative changes of the hips. The initial rating assigned is in accordance with the severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure by the RO to obtain all available VA treatment records post-February 2009 and for a new VA examination. The Veteran's right leg disability, including any right knee osteoarthritis, is being evaluated.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further consideration, including an evaluation of his employability due to service-connected disabilities. The case will be referred to the Compensation and Pension Service for extra-schedular consideration.

The Veteran's initial increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not show that his conditions warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right foot condition and a right leg condition have been denied as there is no evidence of any current disability related to his in-service injury, and the Veteran has not provided sufficient credible evidence to establish continuity of symptomatology.