Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for aid and assistance of others for dressing, undressing and sometimes bathing. As a result, SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is granted.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, is currently rated at 30 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Veteran's psoriatic arthritis is found to be caused by his service-connected psoriasis. The status of the other issues remains unknown.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals seeking service connection for osteoarthritis of the bilateral thumbs and a right ankle disorder.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of a right knee injury was denied. The claim for an initial compensable rating for right hip weakness is considered on its merits as the appeal has been certified to the Board.

The Veteran's left knee disability, post-total knee replacement, is rated at 60 percent effective April 1, 2007. The separate rating for left hip bursitis remains at 10 percent.

The Veteran's low back disability and bilateral lower extremity disorder are service-connected due to in-service combat exposure. The heart condition is presumed to be related to service, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Board found that the Veteran's herniated nucleus pulposa was not incurred in service and is not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral and thoracic spine.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, arthritis of the neck, arthritis of the arms with numbness of both hands, degenerative arthritis of the back, and fibromyalgia of the upper extremities.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is found to have its onset during his second period of active service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.,The Veteran withdrew from consideration the issue of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen a claim of entitlement to service connection for residuals of a left leg disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development due to the need for a new VA compensation examination to reassess his service-connected disabilities and determine their current severity.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine osteoarthritis, left and right lumbar radiculopathy has been granted. The initial evaluations of 40 percent for the lumbar spine disability and 10 percent each for the associated left and right lumbar radiculopathies are effective February 19, 2003.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for a VA examination to evaluate his service-connected left shoulder, right knee, and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, diabetes mellitus type II, and traumatic amputation of the fingers, prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation. The Board finds that his TDIU is granted.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a right side nerve condition and left inguinal hernia have been denied as there is no evidence of such conditions during his active service or related to his service.,For the increased rating claim, the Veteran has provided new medical records indicating deterioration in his hearing since his last examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The residuals of a fracture of the sternum are currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 7804 or 7801. Service connection was not granted for osteoarthritis of the knees or degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The disability is characterized by pain and limited motion to a degree that does not warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder acromioclavicular degenerative arthritis with impingement syndrome is not related to his service-connected healed right clavicle fracture, and thus does not warrant service connection.

The Board denied an increased rating for the Veteran's service-connected left knee osteoarthritis with medial joint space narrowing, currently rated at 10 percent.