Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2012

The Board has determined that new and material evidence was received, allowing the Veteran's claim of secondary service connection for a right knee disorder to be reopened. The July 2011 VA examination report established a nexus between the Veteran's current osteoarthritis of the right knee and his service-connected left ankle lateral instability with history of multiple sprains.

The Veteran's death was caused by decompensated liver disease and respiratory failure. The appellant seeks service connection for the cause of his death, contending that his adenocarcinoma of the prostate contributed to his fatal hepatocellular cancer.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current disability or in-service injury that would support the claims.

The Veteran seeks service connection for bilateral foot disabilities, including pain and limitation of motion. The Board finds that a new examination is needed to determine the nature, onset, and etiology of these conditions, as well as whether they are related to service or other factors.

The Veteran's left knee condition is rated at 10 percent, but the VA examiner found no instability or limitation of motion that would warrant a higher rating.,The Veteran's right knee condition is rated at 10 percent and the VA examiner found no instability or limitation of motion that would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his left knee chondromalacia with osteoarthritis and instability was granted, but the specific rating assigned (10%) is not provided in the decision summary.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability prior to May 4, 2012 was denied as the evidence did not show residuals of a vertebral fracture without cord involvement, unfavorable ankylosis of the dorsal spine, favorable ankylosis of the lumbar spine, limitation of motion in the lumbar spine that is 'severe' in nature, or intervertebral disc syndrome that is severe in nature with recurring attacks and only intermittent relief. The Veteran's claim for TDIU was not addressed as it arose from a disagreement with the initial evaluation following the grant of service connection.

The VA examiner found that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the knees is not caused or aggravated by his service-connected pes planus, hallux valgus, status post surgical repair, with implant in the first metatarsal joint and degenerative joint disease.

The Board has remanded the case due to additional evidence submitted by the appellant, which was not previously considered. The claim will be reviewed again and a supplemental statement of the case will be issued.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left and right knee disabilities are not related to his military service or his service-connected right ankle disability, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's lumbar IVDS with degenerative arthritis and peripheral nerve involvement is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. His neuropathy of the left lower extremity remains noncompensable.

The Veteran's claims for an increased evaluation and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development of her medical records, including a VA examination.

The Veteran's right knee arthritis and anterior cruciate ligament tears have been rated at 20 percent since June 24, 2010.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis changes is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional medical records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for fibromyalgia and an initial evaluation for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence to support a direct relationship between the current disabilities and military service.

The Board has determined that an effective date prior to February 19, 2008 for the grant of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is not warranted.

The Veteran's right knee disability has not met the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to September 1, 2011, and 30 percent thereafter.

The Veteran seeks service connection for right and left knee disabilities. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine the etiology of her claimed knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no jurisdiction remains for further consideration.