Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's cervical spine and low back disabilities are currently rated at the maximum available ratings of 20 percent for each condition. The VA has determined that these conditions do not warrant a higher rating based on current symptomatology.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent for anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency, with a separate 10 percent rating for arthritis. The left knee disability is rated at 10 percent for the same conditions.

The Veteran's left ankle disorder, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, was incurred in service and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for service connection.

The Board has received a withdrawal of the appeal from the appellant's authorized representative, thus dismissing the appeal.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability, characterized as degenerative arthritis, does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board denied service connection for a left foot disability, finding that the current condition is not related to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA spine examination. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected shrapnel wound to the left thigh is shown to be productive of a disability picture manifested by osteoarthritis of the left knee involving pain and limitation of motion. A separate 10 percent evaluation for this condition has been granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right knee disability is due to his military service, while his left knee condition does not appear to be related to any disease or injury in service.

The Board finds that the Veteran sustained a right knee injury during ACDUTRA in October 1989 and grants service connection for her right knee disability.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his knee disabilities and left ankle osteoarthritis, as well as service connection for a urinary disorder. The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the knee disabilities at the May 2013 hearing.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for updated VA treatment records and a contemporaneous orthopedic examination of his right ankle disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disability is not service-connected, as there is no evidence linking his in-service injury to his present condition.

The Board granted a separate 10 percent evaluation for symptomatic removal of the semilunar cartilage in the left knee as of February 17, 2012. The Veteran's chondromalacia with degenerative arthritis and medial meniscal tear was previously evaluated at 10 percent based on limitation of motion.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim of service connection for left knee disability and granted service connection based on evidence showing a current diagnosis of left knee osteoarthritis that is related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain clarification and additional medical examinations for his hearing loss and right knee conditions.

The Board denied service connection for painful joints and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not incurred or aggravated by military service.,Specifically, the Board determined that degenerative arthritis other than arthritis of the back was not caused by military service and did not manifest within one year following any period of service. Hypertension was also found to be not related to military service.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, effective March 24, 2004. The Board found that the criteria for a higher initial rating were not met.