Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the left hip has been remanded due to incomplete development and a need for additional VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and evaluation of his condition.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is now rated at 60 percent, effective January 3, 2014. The other conditions remain at their current ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for examinations to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, of all joints was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disability and neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are not related to his military service, including an in-service gunshot wound. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his left and right hip disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected left hip bursitis and early osteoarthritis of the left knee are currently rated at 10 percent, with a temporary increase to 20 percent from August 27, 2007 to April 29, 2012 for limited extension. The current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for lumbosacral strain with osteoarthritis, service connection for high cholesterol, and service connection for a right knee disability were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for increased ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a multiple joint-related disorder, including rheumatoid arthritis, polyarthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's back disability may be service-connected as it is claimed to have been aggravated by his active service. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for a back disability, but further development is needed before this issue can be decided.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The claim for residuals of TBI was also denied.,New evidence received since the August 2007 decision supports reopening claims for lumbar spine DDD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and left shoulder disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The claim for residuals of TBI was also denied.,New evidence received since the August 2007 decision supports reopening claims for lumbar spine DDD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and left shoulder disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The claim for residuals of TBI was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis was incurred in service and is therefore granted for purposes of accrued benefits.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective prior to August 8, 2011. He also meets the criteria for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, characterized by arthritis and limitation of motion, is currently rated at the minimum 10 percent level. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the current evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis and recurrent dislocations of the left shoulder are related to service, as they likely stem from a shoulder injury sustained during active duty. The Board has granted service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection of his lumbar spine disorder is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left hip degenerative arthritis, status post total left knee replacement, right knee arthritis, hypertension, and left knee internal derangement, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and industrial background. The Board grants Total Disability Rating due to Individual Unemployability (TDIU).

The Veteran's service-connected chondromalacia patella resulted in functional impairment prior to July 12, 2012, warranting a 10 percent disability rating.