Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's right knee disability, including chondromalacia patella and osteoarthritis, has been rated at 10 percent since the initial grant of service connection in September 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA records. The issues of entitlement to an increased evaluation for the right knee and service connection for a left knee disorder are being considered.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical and lumbar spine disability did not have its onset during military service, within one year of separation from active duty, and is not otherwise related to active military service.

The Board has determined that the reduction from higher ratings to 10 percent for osteoarthritis of both knees was proper, and the current 10 percent ratings are maintained.

The Veteran's right knee conditions, specifically osteochondroma and osteoarthritis, have been rated at 10 percent prior to March 4, 2009. The Board finds that the symptoms are more consistent with a rating of 20 percent for chrondromalcia of the right knee under Diagnostic Code 5257.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling the Veteran with a VA examination to address his service connection claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, began during his active service and is related to his in-service injury. The left knee degenerative joint disease was also found to be related to his service-connected conditions. A rating of 10 percent for instability of the left knee and a separate rating of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease have been granted.

The Veteran's right knee chondromalacia with lateral meniscus tear, status post tibial fracture, has been rated at the maximum allowable under the rating criteria. The other issues have not met the criteria for higher ratings.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, as well as his right and left shoulder disabilities. These conditions are deemed to have been incurred during his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee and lumbar conditions, as well as service connection for fecal leakage secondary to hemorrhoids. The decision also addressed a TDIU claim.

The Veteran's right and left elbow disabilities are each rated at 10 percent, effective August 1, 2011. The RO has not granted any higher evaluations for these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation of left femur fracture with degenerative arthritis of the knee and secondary service connection for back disorder and varicose veins were denied. The Veteran was not granted any new disability ratings or benefits.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right hand and arm disability in addition to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right MCP joints and wrist was denied as there is no current diagnosis of such.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and clarifying whether the Veteran is requesting increased ratings or effective date changes.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum medical opinion to address whether the Veteran's current low back condition is related to his service.

The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a left ankle fracture are currently rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that the disability warrants an initial rating of 20 percent, based on marked limitation of motion.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to issues related to service connection and rating of the Veteran's left elbow and left ankle disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee instability is rated at 30 percent, while his degenerative arthritis remains at 10 percent. The Board found that the Veteran's instability warranted a higher rating but denied an increased rating for his degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his back and left ankle conditions, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board finds that a TDIU is warranted.