Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2013

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the right great toe has been assigned a maximum schedular rating (40%) since November 1, 2008. No higher evaluation is warranted as he is already receiving the highest available rating under all applicable diagnostic codes and VA regulations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of right shoulder, neck, and back injuries as they are not linked to service or a service-connected disability.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected conditions is 50%, which does not meet the criteria for a TDIU. The VA examiner found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary to determine if the Veteran's right knee and low back disorders are secondary or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disorder. The case will be remanded for additional clarification from Dr. M.N.D.

The Veteran's current back disorders are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the appellant's left hip osteoarthritis is related to service and grants entitlement to service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 and degenerative arthritis of the left ankle was denied as there is no evidence that the conditions meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule.

The Veteran's appeal is currently in remand status due to the need for additional development, including issuance of a statement of the case on his right foot disorder claim and potential VA examination.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to April 22, 2008. The Board has determined that the disability should be increased to 30 percent for this period.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for IBS and right long finger fracture have been withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his hypertension and right knee osteoarthritis claims, including obtaining recent VA treatment records and Social Security Administration disability records.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the appellant's erectile dysfunction and determining whether it is related to his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis. The claim will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's service-connected low back pain with degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine, left ankle disability, and degenerative joint disease of both knees do not meet criteria for increased ratings under applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spondylosis with herniated nucleus pulposis was found to have been productive of disability picture that more nearly resembled that of flexion of the thoracolumbar spine restricted to 30 degrees or less prior to February 12, 2011. As such, a rating of 40 percent is granted for this period.

The Veteran's right knee disorder is not considered to be proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including post concussion syndrome with headaches and dizziness, disfiguring forehead scarring, PTSD, and left knee disability, do not render him unemployable due to their combined effect.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including VA examinations.

The Veteran's right knee and left knee disabilities have not met the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.,The Veteran has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis of both knees, but his range of motion testing did not show flexion limited to 30 degrees or less or extension limited to 10 degrees or more.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to include obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess his current level of disability related to his service-connected bilateral hearing loss, degenerative arthritis of the left hip, and plantar fasciitis with heel spur of the left foot.