Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2014

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU based on his service-connected right knee disabilities. The issues related to an increase in rating were not fully addressed, particularly regarding functional impairment due to flare-ups.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was implicitly denied in the August 1995 and March 2000 rating decisions, as no appeal was filed within one year of these decisions. The effective date cannot be earlier than October 20, 2004.

The Board has determined that the appellant's left shoulder disability is reasonably shown to have resulted from his period of ACDUTRA, and therefore grants service connection for impingement and degenerative arthritis of the left shoulder.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 60 percent since December 12, 2012. His left lower extremity radiculopathy is separately rated as moderate.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine disability, lumbar spine disability, and psychiatric disorder were denied.,Service connection was also denied for allergic rhinitis with chronic sinusitis.

The Board has determined that the reduction of the 100 percent schedular evaluation assigned for the service-connected right knee osteoarthritis following right knee replacement effective February 1, 2010 was proper. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left ankle was rated at 10% prior to November 11, 2011. After a VA examination and considering his symptoms including marked limitation of motion, he is now entitled to a 20% rating for this period.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing. The Board will schedule such a hearing and notify the Veteran of its date, time, and location.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar spinal stenosis, and lumbar foraminotomies are related to an injury he sustained during a period of INACDUTRA in March 1990. As such, service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disability, including osteoarthritis and post-traumatic degenerative joint disease, is not related to service or any service-connected disabilities.

The Board found no evidence of a relationship between the Veteran's current right shoulder disorder and his period of active duty service, thus denying service connection.

The Veteran's combined disability rating is at least 70 percent, with one disability rated as 40 percent disabling. The schedular percentage requirements for TDIU are met.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy and cervical spine disorder, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's period of active duty. Service connection for bilateral shoulder disorder is denied as there is no evidence linking the current condition to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the issues involving right knee disabilities.

The Veteran's initial claim for a left thumb disability has been granted, but the assigned rating of 10% is denied as his symptoms do not warrant an increased rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left shoulder and left knee disabilities are related to his service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the Veteran's claim of service connection for residuals of a right wrist fracture, as his diagnosed osteoarthritis of the right wrist was not incurred during active duty service.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher evaluation, warranting a final denial.

The Board has granted service connection for schizophrenia and denied service connection for ulcers. The claims of service connection for arthritis of the hands, knees, and back are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability and granted a compensable rating (10%) for residuals of multiple rib fractures. The Veteran's claims for diabetes mellitus, eye disability, right total hip replacement, and heart disability are dismissed.