Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for the period prior to July 21, 2012 was granted. The knee disability is characterized by ankylosis in flexion from 0 to 10 degrees.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis was incurred in service and is granted service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and knee conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to March 15, 2005 for the grant of service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine was denied. The Board found that the earliest possible effective date is March 15, 2005, when the Veteran filed a request to reopen his claim.

The Veteran's left hip degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum under Diagnostic Code 5251 for limitation of extension to 5 degrees. No other diagnostic codes apply as his range of motion does not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claims of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and right shoulder were granted, with ratings assigned. The initial rating for the thoracolumbar spine is 20 percent effective July 31, 2012, and for the right shoulder is 30 percent effective November 20, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed arthritis.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities require the use of knee braces, which tend to wear out or tear his clothing. The VA needs to obtain a medical certification regarding whether any prescribed medication for skin conditions due to these disabilities causes irreparable damage to his clothing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed mild degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, mild peripheral neuropathy of the left and right lower extremities are not related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to ensure that he is accorded full compliance with the statutory duty to assist. The AOJ must obtain SSA records and additional VA treatment records, and then readjudicate his claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the left ankle.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lower back, left shoulder, and cervical spine disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and consideration of functional impairment.

The Veteran's claims for hypertension, left great toe with degenerative arthritis and hallux rigidus, and right shoulder condition were all granted. The effective date for the grant of service connection for hypertension is March 26, 1992, but no earlier. Service connection was established for the left great toe with degenerative arthritis and hallux rigidus. The claim for the right shoulder condition was reopened due to new evidence submitted by the Veteran.

The Veteran's current diagnoses include bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees and degenerative joint disease of the back. The Board granted service connection for these conditions based on direct evidence showing a chronic condition in service.,Service connection was denied for the Veteran's claimed back disability due to lack of evidence of chronic symptoms during or within one year after service separation.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was granted, with an initial evaluation of 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and further development of his claims.

The Veteran's left knee disability, prior to May 5, 2010, was rated at 10 percent for osteoarthritis and granted a separate 10 percent rating for lateral instability. The current rating of 10 percent is appropriate given the limited range of motion and no significant instability.

The Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities are rated at the maximum available ratings, while his migraine headaches do not warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to incomplete medical records and a need for additional comments from a VA compensation examiner.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed spinal, hip, and leg disabilities are not service-connected due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service or presumed Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of a left hip replacement are not service connected as they were not incurred or aggravated by active duty service, and there is no evidence linking them to his right knee disability.