Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral back pain and non-specific gastritis were denied as there was no evidence of ankylosis or other conditions that would warrant a higher rating. The service-connected conditions are well-controlled, with no indication of severe hemorrhages or ulcerated areas.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a low back disorder, including spondylolisthesis and osteoarthritis with associated pain. However, due to additional development needed, this case is being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disability, including post-total knee replacement, is not related to his service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left shoulder disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and treatment records.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current right knee disorder is as likely as not secondary to his service-connected left knee disorder and grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertrophic spurring/osteoarthritis of the acromioclavicular joint. The cervical spine disability claim is also denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been granted. The effective date of the increased rating is July 27, 2009.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for higher ratings and service connection for anergy due to insufficient medical opinions and examination findings. The Veteran will be scheduled for VA examinations to address these issues.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability and lung disorder (chronic bronchitis) were not incurred in service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5260 for limitation of flexion. The claim for a higher initial rating is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine with L4-5 disc protrusion and L5-S1 disc bulge, finding that it is related to documented in-service back injuries.

The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the knees are found to have been incurred during his service.,Lightheadedness and dizziness, presumed to be related to his Persian Gulf War service, are also found to have been incurred during his service.

The Veteran requested a hearing, but failed to appear. The appeal for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of both hands with Heberden's nodes and service connection for a low back disability has been withdrawn.

The Veteran is granted service connection for dysplasia of the left hip and osteoarthritis of the left hip, both found to be related to his pre-existing condition.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for bilateral plantar fasciitis and right knee disability were denied by the Board. The Veteran has a severe foot disability due to bilateral plantar fasciitis, which is characterized by significant pain during prolonged physical activity. For his right knee disability, he has slight recurrent subluxation or lateral instability but also osteoarthritis from March 10, 2010 onwards, resulting in a separate 10 percent rating for the osteoarthritis component.

The Veteran's appeal is being REMANDED to the RO for further examination and readjudication of his TDIU claim due to incomplete opinions regarding the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employment.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a lack of recent VA examination and the need for updated medical evidence. The claim will be reviewed after these steps are completed.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his degenerative osteoarthritis with spondylosis, lumbar paravertebral myositis, and discogenic disease is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional VA clinical records and determine if an October 2006 spine examination report exists.

The Board has remanded the case due to an error in the SSOC and a need for clarification on the nature and etiology of any current disability of the fingers of the right hand.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his shoulder conditions have been denied. The current effective dates for the grants of service connection are established as per the RO's decisions.,The Veteran is currently rated at 60 percent for total arthroplasty of the right shoulder, and 20 percent each for osteoarthritis of the left shoulder and recurrent dislocation of the left shoulder. The claims for higher ratings remain pending.