Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for his left knee osteoarthritis and instability was granted. He is now rated at 30% overall for these conditions.,He also received a separate rating of 20% for his left knee instability, effective October 9, 2012. His TDIU claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disability, effective prior to April 20, 2015, was denied. The Board found that the available schedular criteria adequately reflected the severity of his symptoms.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, finding no evidence of an in-service injury or disease and noting that the current disability did not manifest within one year of separation from service.

The Board has remanded the case for further action due to inconsistencies in the appellant's reports of a hip injury during service and insufficient evidence linking his current right hip disability to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for postoperative lumbar herniated disc and osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine were denied as there was no evidence to support higher disability ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine is being remanded due to the need to obtain additional medical records from Dr. E.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining records from Social Security Administration (SSA).

The Veteran's low back disability was characterized by flexion limited to 45 degrees, including consideration of pain on motion. There is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine. The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent from June 1, 2010 to June 12, 2015 and a rating in excess of 40 percent since.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to incomplete records and the need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for glenohumbral osteoarthritis of the right shoulder, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected left shoulder condition.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left wrist osteoarthritis, as well as a fracture of the left fifth toe. The Veteran's current bilateral wrist disabilities are considered to be related to his active service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by post-traumatic degenerative joint disease and patella chondromalacia, is currently rated at 40 percent under DC 5261 (extension limited to 30 degrees) due to frequent episodes of locking, pain, and effusion. A separate rating of 10 percent is assigned for removal of semilunar cartilage that is symptomatic.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including osteoarthritis and genu varum, was found to meet the criteria for a 50 percent rating due to limitation of extension. The instability issue also met the criteria for a 10 percent rating.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and providing new opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left shoulder disability. The issues of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for a right shoulder disability and entitlement to an increased rating for status post left total knee replacement with history of anterior ligament reconstruction are also remanded.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been evaluated at a 10 percent rating since the grant of service connection. The current evidence does not support an increase in this evaluation.

The Board found no evidence of a nexus between the Veteran's current back disability and his military service, concluding that it is more likely due to natural aging.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral allergic conjunctivitis and blepharitis, finding that the Veteran's current eye conditions had their onset in service. The remaining issues of service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition, neck condition, back condition, and other eye conditions are still pending.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is found to be a result of an in-service injury during World War II, and the Board finds service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional medical evidence and records, including service personnel records.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hip osteoarthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling an examination.