Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's right foot disability, specifically osteoarthritis of the first and second metatarsophalangeal joints, is rated at 20 percent disabling. The decision also granted service connection for mild spondylolisthesis L5-S1 (claimed as low back condition) and osteoarthritis of the left knee.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA treatment records and schedule the appellant for a VA examination to assess his current right knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee meniscectomy residuals and osteoarthritis were denied as the evidence did not show additional functional loss due to pain or other forms of functional loss, and his current disability levels are already at their highest possible rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right hip osteoarthritis, left hip osteoarthritis, low back degenerative joint disease, and a left Achilles tendon disorder to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC), in Washington, DC.

The Veteran's lumbar myositis has been rated at 30 percent, but the claim for increased rating is denied. The issue of lower extremities radiculopathy secondary to service-connected lumbar paravertebral myositis must be remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee disabilities are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to seek an addendum opinion from the May 2008 VA examiner.

The VA examiner found no evidence linking the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder to his service, including a 1952 injury. The examiner concluded that the disorder is more likely due to natural aging processes rather than any in-service trauma.

The Veteran's bilateral hip, knee, and left ankle disabilities were not found to be related to his service-connected cervical spine and thoracic spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left shoulder disability, finding that his current degenerative joint disease is related to an in-service injury.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss has been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability within the meaning of VA regulations.

The Veteran's current left knee disability is not service-connected as it was not incurred or aggravated during his active duty, and there is no evidence of a nexus between the current condition and any period of ACDUTRA. The claim for GERD secondary to laryngeal cancer is pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the left hip was denied as his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation under the applicable rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right knee disability is secondary to his service-connected left toe fracture.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine his ability to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities, including hip and knee conditions.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left knee is presumed to have been incurred in wartime service, and he was granted service connection for this condition. The claim for left hand numbness was not substantiated.

The VA determined that the appellant's right knee did not exhibit flexion limited to 15 degrees, extension limited to 20 degrees, instability, or a painful scar during the period on appeal. As such, their claim for an increased rating was denied.

The Veteran's left foot disability, characterized by pain on use, limited and painful dorsiflexion, antalgic gait, and tenderness to palpation over several areas of the foot, is currently evaluated as 20 percent disabling under Diagnostic Codes 5010-5284. The Board finds that his left foot disability more closely approximates a moderately severe injury warranting a 20 percent evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities have been denied. The VA has not found any evidence of service connection or exposure to specific environmental factors that could support a different rating.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including torn medial meniscus and degenerative arthritis, warrants a separate 10 percent rating for arthritis and a separate 20 percent rating for dislocated semilunar cartilage. The current evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for the torn medial meniscus.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and knee disorders are not related to his military service.,There is no evidence of any chronic or persistent disability in these areas during or immediately following service.