Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability was denied as the evidence does not show that his current condition is related to military service or a service-connected disability.,Claims for increased ratings and effective dates were also denied due to lack of factual ascertainability within one year of the September 29, 2004 claim.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including post-traumatic osteoarthritis, is currently rated at the maximum schedular rating of 20 percent. A separate 20 percent rating for limitation of motion of the right arm has been granted.

The Board found insufficient competent and probative evidence to establish a relationship between the Veteran's current osteoarthritis or muscle and joint pains and his military service or a service-connected disability, including as due to undiagnosed illness.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is related to his active duty service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for any of the claimed conditions, including left knee osteoarthritis, low back degenerative disc disease, hemorrhoids, bilateral foot osteoarthritis, and respiratory disability (COPD).

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeal.

The Veteran's bilateral metatarsal deformities and osteoarthritis of the feet are at least as likely as not related to active service, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's claim for basic eligibility for VA home loan benefits is being remanded due to the need to locate and associate any missing documents, obtain his complete service treatment and personnel records, and obtain any decision associated with his application for correction of his military records.

The Veteran's service-connected right hip osteoarthritis and total right hip replacement are rated at the maximum available disability ratings, with no further increase warranted.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right knee DJD and instability, as well as left knee DJD, were denied. The claim for a higher rating for cervical spine DJD was not addressed in this decision.

The Board has dismissed the appeal due to the death of the appellant.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hip disorder and remanded the increased rating claim for keratitis. The low back disorder claim is denied as not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board has determined that further development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any left hip condition, including femoroacetabular impingement, mild premature osteoarthritis, and tear of the labrum. The case will be remanded for a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there was no evidence of a pre-existing condition in service. The current conditions are attributed to normal wear and tear over the years.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis, right knee and left knee do not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board has determined that further examination and development are necessary to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is found to be etiologically related to active duty service, and he is granted service connection for this condition. The issues of entitlement to service connection for sleep apnea and an increased rating for right knee degenerative arthritis are remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, left wrist carpal tunnel syndrome with radiculopathy and left arm numbness, and left shoulder disability are not related to service.