Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2014

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's right knee disability, effective from December 9, 2009. The left foot metatarsalgia issue was not addressed as it was withdrawn by the Veteran and remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right wrist disability has been denied as the evidence does not show that he meets the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for degenerative osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine was granted, with a rating of 40 percent effective January 14, 2008. The decision also addressed his TDIU claim and found that he is unemployable since July 1, 2004.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of left knee strain/sprain did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and his limitation of extension was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and low/mid back disabilities, but granted a 20% rating for osteoarthritis of the left shoulder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected low back disability does not warrant an extraschedular rating, but has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability, is currently rated at 10 percent. The issues of increased rating for the right knee disability and initial PTSD rating prior to April 13, 2013 are addressed.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during service and is not shown to be related to his military service. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and left femur fracture with chondrocalcinosis, a scar, and degenerative arthritis were denied as they did not meet the criteria for increased ratings under VA rating schedules.

The Veteran's additional disability to the bilateral knees and legs is not deemed to be due to his participation in a VA CWT program, as there is no competent evidence showing that such participation caused or aggravated any pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was granted, and he is now entitled to a 30% disability rating as of March 13, 2013. Prior to that date, he did not meet the criteria for any higher rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is manifested by painful motion, but not forward flexion in between 30 and 60 degrees, a combined range of motion of no greater than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour. The criteria for a disability rating for a lumbar spine disorder in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's chondromalacia and degenerative arthritis of the left and right knees do not meet or approximate criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied. The RO granted a 40 percent rating effective August 4, 2011.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an appropriate VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his diagnosed foot disabilities, including bilateral bunionette, bilateral hallux limitus, and degenerative arthritis of both feet. The examiner should also provide an opinion on whether arthritis shown in a private podiatrist's report dated in August 2008 was at least as likely as not manifested within one year of the Veteran's discharge from his final period of active duty in April 2006.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, diagnosed as osteoarthritis of the knees with total knee replacements, are likely due to disease or injury incurred in service.,Service connection is granted for right and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine from August 1, 2008 to March 12, 2010 and since March 12, 2010. The criteria for higher initial evaluations were not met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding his knees and service connection claim.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for generalized osteoarthritis, bilateral elbow disability, chest palpitations, pre-diabetes, TMJ dysfunction, and periodontal disease due to withdrawal of these claims. Service connection is granted for bilateral carpel tunnel syndrome.