Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was granted, with a current rating of 10 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent under the applicable diagnostic codes, as there was no evidence of instability or limitation of motion beyond what is contemplated by the current ratings.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by osteoarthritis with partial anterior cruciate ligament tear, is currently rated at 40 percent for the entire appeal period. The Board finds that a higher evaluation is not warranted as there is no evidence of more than slight instability or subluxation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical strain, bilateral hearing loss and sinusitis. The Veteran was granted service connection for depression, Type II diabetes mellitus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, osteoarthritis of the left knee and right knee, but his initial ratings were assigned at 10%, 20%, 0% and 0% respectively.

The Board has upheld the current rating of 10 percent for osteoarthritis and chondromalacia of the left knee, finding that it is properly compensated for the extent of functional loss resulting from symptoms like painful motion. The Veteran's flexion was limited to at most 120 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5260.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for a right knee disability and squamous cell carcinoma of the throat and lymph nodes. The issues are being remanded to obtain additional medical records and to schedule VA examinations.,The Veteran contends that his squamous cell carcinoma of the throat and lymph nodes may be related to exposure to herbicides during service. Service records confirm his Vietnam service, but no specific Agent Orange exposure has been documented. The issue is being remanded for a VA examination to determine if there is any link between the cancer and military service.,The Veteran seeks an increased evaluation for his anxiety disorder. He testified that he experiences various symptoms including depression, fatigue, memory loss, and difficulty understanding complex commands. The issue is being remanded for a VA psychiatric examination.

The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional medical examination and consideration of newly submitted evidence, including an X-ray report from 1994 showing hip arthritis.

The Veteran's lumbar muscle strain, tension headaches, and right shoulder Bankart/SAP repair with osteoarthritis have all been rated as noncompensable.,No higher ratings are warranted for any of these conditions.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and his bilateral Achilles tendonitis is also rated at 10 percent. Both conditions are not found to warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, finding that it is due to an injury sustained during parachute jumps in service.

The Veteran's overuse syndrome of the left hand is currently rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5216.,Special monthly compensation for loss of use of the left upper extremity is not warranted as his disability does not result in such a loss that would be equally well served by an amputation with prosthesis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee and low back disabilities are secondary to his service-connected right knee disability, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are not related to his active service, as there is no evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and his military service. The VA medical opinions indicate that obesity and diabetes mellitus, rather than any in-service injury or exposure, have contributed to the development of his osteoarthritis.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's knee, hand, and back disabilities are not related to service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities is being remanded for further development, including the provision of an examination and consideration of whether his service-connected conditions alone rendered him unemployable prior to August 15, 2000.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and consideration due to unclear evidence regarding his employability solely based on service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is rated at 10 percent, and his thoracic/lumbar spine strain is rated at 20 percent. Both conditions are denied for higher ratings.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current right knee disorder related to his service or service-connected left knee disorder.