Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of dislocation of the right shoulder, medial meniscus tear and osteoarthritis of the right knee, and hypertension have been denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a rating greater than 20 percent for dislocation of the right shoulder prior to October 18, 2011, and 40 percent thereafter. For medial meniscus tear and osteoarthritis of the right knee, the Veteran's symptoms have been limited to extension functionally limited to not less than 90 degrees and extension limited to not more than 0 degrees. For hypertension, the evidence did not support a rating greater than 10 percent.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the etiology of any currently diagnosed foot disorder and whether it is at least as likely as not related to active service or the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability. The Veteran will be scheduled for another VA examination.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings due to procedural issues and further development is needed.

The Board has granted initial noncompensable ratings for the Veteran's right foot plantar fasciitis, left foot plantar fasciitis, and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis with spina bifida occulta.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current back disorder, including degenerative arthritis of the spine and sciatica, is related to his in-service experiences. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional records and for further development.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized as right knee strain, has been evaluated at a 20 percent rating based on limitation of flexion. The current evidence does not support a higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection and DEA eligibility are denied.,The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right shoulder disability is remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability and found that it is related to his active duty service. The Veteran's TDIU claim remains pending as the RO has not yet assigned an extraschedular rating.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a total left knee replacement, which he claims is related to his service and/or aggravated by his service-connected right knee disability. The Board has determined that additional development is needed before the claim can be decided.

The Board has determined that further development is necessary before the appeal can be decided, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's service connection claims.

The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis is rated at 10 percent, and his bilateral foot arthritis is also rated at 10 percent each. The claims are granted.

The Board granted service connection for metatarsalgia of the right foot with arthritis and metatarsalgia with osteoarthritis of the left first and fifth toes, each rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's low back disability is related to his military service, and he has right ankle arthritis that is also related to his service. The Veteran's right knee disability requires further examination as it may be aggravated by other conditions.,The Veteran's bilateral pes planus condition does not require any specific theory of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for thoracolumbar strain with degenerative arthritis or cervical spine strain with degenerative changes.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total evaluation based on post-surgical convalescence following lumbar spine surgery in November 2005 was denied because the claim was not timely filed, as it was received more than one year after the surgery.

The Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU were denied. The right knee disorder was rated as 10% prior to May 26, 2010 and from that date onwards. The low back disorder was not rated higher than 10%. Extraschedular ratings were also denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's low back disability is related to service. The Veteran will need a supplemental opinion from an examiner that considers all available records, including private treatment notes.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected bilateral knee conditions were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder did not develop during service and is not related to his military service. The claim was denied.