Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2012

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected disabilities were denied. The VA determined that the evidence did not meet the criteria for increased evaluations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations to assess his knee and ankle disabilities as well as any lumbar spine disability. The issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability will also be addressed.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which corresponds to limitation of motion and instability. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's flexion was limited to no more than 85 degrees with pain, while extension remained at 0 degrees.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, as well as TDIU, were denied. The current ratings for these conditions are considered appropriate.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, treatment records, and a determination of whether he is unemployable due to his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his claims, including obtaining additional medical records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to outstanding records and potential need for new examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected navicular fracture, right foot.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on osteoarthritis of the spine with scoliosis and L4-L5 spondylolisthesis, as well as lumbar radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, are being considered. The decision is mixed, with some issues granted and others not.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities have been rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent each. The claim for a higher rating for limitation of extension of the left knee has also been granted.

The VA granted an increased evaluation of 20 percent for the service-connected left knee disability, which is chondromalacia patella with moderate degenerative arthritis. The appellant's symptoms include pain and limited range of motion.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a cervical spine disability, which he claims is related to his service-connected osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before this claim can be decided.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral shoulder disability is related to his service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's residuals of the removal of an osteochondroma from his right leg are currently rated at 10 percent, effective since service connection was granted in March 2007. He also has a separate noncompensable rating for incomplete paralysis of the external cutaneous nerve of the thigh.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis of the right and left knees are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to address whether his current knee conditions are aggravated by his service-connected pes planus.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine resulted in limited forward flexion to 60 degrees, without evidence of ankylosis. The Board found that this did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of service connection for lumbosacral degenerative osteoarthritis and lumbar strain. The Board finds that the Veteran's back disorder is related to his military service, including a combat injury sustained during World War II.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hip disability and degenerative osteoarthritis are not service-connected, as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease related to these conditions. The condition was found to be less likely than not attributable to service.

The Veteran's low back disability, characterized by lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, has not met the criteria for a higher rating than 20 percent under VA regulations. The evidence shows that his forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine is limited to no more than 50 degrees (60 degrees in some assessments), which does not meet the requirement for an increased rating.

The Veteran's claims were denied, with the exception of his claim for an increased rating for bilateral calluses, plantar warts, and metatarsalgia. The reduction from 30 to 10 percent was upheld.