Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2014

The Veteran's right leg disability, including any aggravation by a service-connected acquired psychiatric disability, is not found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence provided.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the case is dismissed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and opinion regarding his right wrist, bilateral knee, osteoarthritis, and gastrointestinal disorders.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues related to his service-connected conditions, including ratings for various disabilities and the effective dates of service connection. The case is being remanded due to a need for a Board hearing.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee conditions, including osteoarthritis, patellar subluxation, a torn meniscus, and a Baker's cyst, are not related to service or caused by or aggravated by his service-connected residuals of a left second toe fracture.

The Veteran's right ankle osteoarthritis is rated at 20% for the entire appeal period. Service connection for left ulnar neuropathy was denied as it is not related to service.

The Veteran's PTSD was granted a 70% rating effective April 12, 2013. His low back disability was also increased to 70% from that date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional treatment records and provide a VA examination. The issues of an increased rating for his spine disability and TDIU are also being addressed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial compensable disability rating for his right ankle and thigh scars, or for a superficial scar on the left lower leg.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee arthritis, status post cervical spine fracture with left radiculopathy, and erectile dysfunction as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's in-service parachute jumps are considered the primary cause of these conditions.

The Veteran seeks service connection for degenerative arthritis in the left knee. The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the etiology of the claimed condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as his disabilities did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis and spondylosis, lumbar spine did not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating due to limitations in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine.,For anxiety disorder (NOS), the evidence did not demonstrate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity as required for a 50% rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including those allegedly related to exposure to herbicides such as Agent Orange, were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show any in-service incurrence or aggravation of these conditions and that there was no indication of a nexus between any current disability and active duty.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right foot osteoarthritis is not related to service and was not manifest within one year of separation from service. The Board concludes that service connection is not warranted.

The Veteran's service-connected depression is found to be the primary cause of his sleep disorder and chronic fatigue, which are granted as secondary to this condition.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for service connection for various conditions, and the Board has determined that these claims are inextricably intertwined with other issues. The case is therefore REMANDED to schedule a videoconference hearing before the undersigned VLJ.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee condition is not related to service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.,Regarding the left hip condition, as there was no in-service injury or disease noted, and no competent medical evidence linking a current disability to service, the claim was also denied.

The Veteran's right knee pain with osteoarthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects her current functional impairment.