Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities were not incurred or aggravated during his periods of active duty service, including his periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA in the Air Force Reserve from 1977 to 1993. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability, including degenerative arthritis of the left knee with tear of the medial meniscus, was denied as there is no persuasive evidence to support a finding that any current left knee disability is related to his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left hand disorders, including lymphangitis, trigger finger, and osteoarthritis, were not incurred in or aggravated by his period of active service. The evidence did not establish a nexus between any current disorder and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and continued his current 20 percent rating for arthritis and gout of multiple joints. The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran's current lumbar spine condition to his active service.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and ACL tear existed prior to service, and that any increase in severity during service was due to normal progression. Therefore, service connection is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left foot, claimed as secondary to a service connected left knee disorder, and also granted service connection based on aggravation of pre-existing pes planus of the left foot.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized as osteoarthritis status post multiple surgeries and instability, was not manifested by flexion limited to 30 degrees or extension limited to 15 degrees during the period from January 24, 2005 to January 24, 2008. The Veteran's right knee disability was also not manifested by severe recurrent subluxation or lateral instability. Therefore, an evaluation greater than 10 percent for right knee osteoarthritis status post multiple surgeries based on limitation of motion and an evaluation greater than 20 percent for right knee osteoarthritis with instability based on instability were denied.

The Board has determined that the appellant does not meet the criteria for increased special monthly death pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board found that the Veteran's current knee and hand disabilities did not begin during or were otherwise caused by his military service, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board has granted a TDIU based on this.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability is service-connected, as there was in-service injury and continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability was granted, and he is now receiving a 30 percent rating effective April 29, 2009. His claim for service connection for sleep apnea remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee arthritis is not service-connected and his claim for TDIU has been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the record, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to address his claims of VA negligence in performing surgery and service connection for right knee osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's cervical spine osteoarthritis and disc disease are found to be service-connected as they developed during his military service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including a disability manifested by temporary memory loss and respiratory disabilities, were denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities or etiological links to his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent from January 31, 2004. The Board granted a higher rating for the period prior to that date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back, right knee, and right shoulder disabilities are service-connected as they are related to injuries sustained during active duty.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluations are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations and requests for SSA records.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation, as his range of motion and symptoms do not warrant an increase in disability rating.