Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service exposure to herbicides, and thus could not establish presumptive service connection based on Agent Orange exposure. Additionally, there was no direct or secondary service connection established.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, which is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5203 for malunion of the clavicle or scapula, has been increased to a 20 percent rating effective from March 18, 2014.

The Veteran's initial rating for lumbar strain remains at 10 percent, effective March 30, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, right wrist, left wrist, right hand (palm disorder), left hand (palm disorder), right shoulder, left shoulder osteoarthritis, right knee, and left knee disorders are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current right ear hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by pain and limited range of motion, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The separate noncompensable rating for hammertoes remains in effect. Right and left knee tendonitis with chondromalacia and osteoarthritis are each rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal of all remaining issues has been withdrawn by his representative.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee instability and degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and requesting an addendum from the May 2012 VA examiner to address whether his low back disability was aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus and left thigh quadriceps muscle herniation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosed sleep apnea, skin disorder (neurodermatitis), and low back disorder are related to his period of service.,However, the evidence does not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability did not have its onset in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the severity of his shoulder disabilities. The issues include seeking higher ratings for service-connected left and right shoulder conditions and determining if he qualifies for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and left lower extremity conditions are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of his claimed conditions, including hearing loss in the left ear and tinnitus. The claims are denied.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examinations. The case will be reconsidered after these are obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and head trauma are due to his own willful misconduct, resulting in a denial of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is related to his in-service injury, and service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus and degenerative osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine and lumbosacral spine disabilities do not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent, thus denying her claims for increased ratings. The reduction from a 100 percent to a 10 percent rating for service-connected Lyme disease was upheld.