Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder is not related to his active military service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no competent or credible evidence linking the Veteran's current cervical spine and knee disabilities to his service, including World War II. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted. The Board finds that the Veteran has a current diagnosis of pseudofolliculitis barbae and had this condition in service, thus granting service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the right and left knees did not manifest in service or within one year after separation from service, and thus cannot be presumed to have been incurred therein. The current disability is considered less likely than not related to any event or condition during service.

The Veteran's post-operative residuals of a crush injury to the left foot with osteoarthritis, pes cavus, and hallux rigidus were rated at 30 percent prior to May 24, 2011. From that date, he was rated at 40 percent for loss of use of the left foot. The Board found that both ratings are appropriate based on the evidence.

The Veteran's claims for vision problems, basal cell carcinoma, left elbow disability, and digestive problems were denied as they are not service-connected. The Board found that the current conditions do not have a direct link to service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding VA treatment records. The claims will be adjudicated again based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's spouse has been diagnosed with several conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, essential tremors, osteoarthritis requiring knee replacement and high blood pressure. The Board finds that the evidence shows she requires regular aid and attendance due to her disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee and left ankle disabilities are currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but the evidence does not support higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is unable to bathe himself or protect himself from daily hazards without assistance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining missing service records and VA treatment records. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions related to joint pain.

The Veteran's right ankle strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, reflecting a moderate limitation of motion. No other conditions were addressed in the provided text.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected left knee disorder was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5055.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for residuals of right knee injury and chronic headaches. The claim for service connection for residuals of right knee injury is granted, as there is medical evidence linking the current degenerative arthritis to his inservice right knee injury. The claim for service connection for chronic headaches remains pending due to insufficient information on its etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is causally related to his military service and grants service connection for degenerative arthritis of the back.

The Veteran's increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine, cervical spine, right elbow, and right ankle/lower extremity disabilities have been granted.

The Veteran has osteoarthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spines that is as likely as not related to his active duty. The Board concludes that service connection for this condition is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left lower extremity disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an opinion on the etiology of his current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding his scoliosis and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine.