Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2013

The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and degenerative arthritis and spondylolysis of the thoracolumbar spine, finding that there was no increase in disability beyond normal progress due to pre-existing conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee disability, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, is not related to his military service. The preponderance of evidence supports a finding that the disability was not incurred or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right leg shrapnel wound residuals do not meet the criteria for a disability rating higher than 10 percent from December 28, 2004.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was initially rated as 10 percent disabling prior to October 11, 2010. Since then, the disability has been rated at 20 percent. The Board found that an increased rating is not warranted for any period of time.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on current evidence of record.

The Veteran's claim for right ear hearing loss was denied as there is no evidence of current right ear hearing loss or a nexus to service.,For the entire increased rating period under appeal, the Veteran's cognitive disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 50 percent.,For the entire increased rating period under appeal, the Veteran's seizure disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent.,For the increased rating period prior to August 22, 2011, the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbosacral spine did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,For the entire increased rating period under appeal, the Veteran's headaches met the criteria for a 10 percent rating based on symptomatology that is more nearly approximating characteristic prostrating attacks averaging one in two months over the course of several months.,For the initial rating period under appeal, the Veteran's degenerative changes of the right elbow did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,For the initial rating period under appeal, the Veteran's degenerative changes of the left elbow did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.,For the initial rating period prior to April 1, 2011, the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. From April 1, 2011, the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder met the criteria for a 10 percent rating.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to his military service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic foot disorder in service or for many years thereafter, and concluded that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability is not related to his military service.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for right ankle osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected right and left knee disabilities, as well as a TDIU claim, are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of the record.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the right and left knees have been granted increased evaluations, with each knee receiving a 20 percent rating under DC 5260 for limitation of flexion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and left knee are not service-connected as they are not related to his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by pain, hyperextension, and limited motion, does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's current thoracolumbar spine disability is likely due to an inservice injury, granting service connection.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability has been rated at 10 percent since December 30, 2009. The current rating is appropriate given the limitation of motion to shoulder level.

The Veteran's PTSD was initially rated at 50% and later increased to 70%. The initial rating for his left hip disability was noncompensable, but has since been increased to 10%.,Both conditions have seen changes in ratings over time.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right thumb, residuals of left fifth finger injury, rhinitis (claimed as hay fever), and a skin disorder have been denied. The evidence does not establish new and material evidence to reopen any of these claims.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to questions regarding the exact nature and etiology of the Veteran's left hip pathology. The RO/AMC is instructed to obtain records from Drs. Russell L. Platt and James Goske, as well as any pertinent VA or private inpatient/outpatient treatment records since November 2012.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding medical records.