Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2013

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA spine examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's scoliosis and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, and determining whether service connection should be granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death from multiple myeloma, which was not shown in service or within a presumptive period.

The Veteran has effectively lost the use of both lower extremities due to his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, which precludes him from using his legs without assistance. As a result, he is eligible for specially adapted housing but not for a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's current osteoarthritis conditions are not related to his military service, including the syphilis he contracted during his service. His low back disorder is also unrelated to his service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a personal hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Travel Board hearing due to his inability to appear at the scheduled August 2012 travel board hearing.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral knee disabilities, finding that there is no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination and obtaining relevant medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not result in loss of use of a lower extremity, and therefore he does not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing assistance.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to address whether the Veteran's service-connected disabilities alone preclude all forms of substantially gainful employment that are consistent with his education and occupational experience. The appeal is now pending again.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left foot sprain warrants a 10 percent rating prior to May 24, 2012, and no higher. The disability is currently rated as moderate.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disorder, finding that his current degenerative arthritis and disc disease are related to multiple traumatic injuries sustained during active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating, and thus denied his claim for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial schedular ratings and extra-schedular evaluations were denied. The TDIU claim remains part of the appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis of the thumbs, back, and left knee are not directly related to service or secondary to his service-connected right knee traumatic arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected osteoarthritis of the left acromioclavicular joint and any necessary diagnostic testing.

The Board found that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are not related to service, as there is no evidence of chronic symptoms during or immediately after service. The Veteran's current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are service-connected as they are related to his active duty experience. The back disorder, arthritis of multiple joints, hypertension, and OSA do not have a direct link to his military service.,Service connection is granted for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left leg scar, which was incurred in service, meets the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since December 2, 2006. The Board finds that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether his symptoms have most nearly approximated flexion limited to 30 degrees or less during this period.