Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's right knee disability, prior to August 18, 2009, was rated at 20 percent and since October 1, 2010, has been rated at 30 percent. The left knee disability, prior to January 18, 2016, was rated at 10 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder epicondylitis and cervical spine degenerative arthritis are not service-connected as they were not shown to be related to her military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis was denied as the condition did not originate in active service and was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected lung cancer and sarcoidosis with pulmonary and lymph node involvement.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his service-connected left knee disability has been granted, with an effective date of May 28, 2008. The Veteran is currently rated at 10 percent for degenerative arthritis and meniscal tear of the left knee.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and remanded the hypertension claim.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the increased disability rating for spondylolisthesis with degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine prior to a decision by the Board.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development to determine the cause of his upper and lower extremity deficits, including whether they are due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to a need for additional VA medical records and an updated VA examination of his right knee disability.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability, diagnosed as status post cervical spine fusion C3 to C6 with radiculopathy, is etiologically related to the spine injury he sustained during service.,The Veteran's low back disability (claimed as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease) is not permanently aggravated by his service-connected anterior compression fractures of T12 and L1.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a right foot first metatarsal disability, including as secondary to his service-connected right knee condition. The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's service-connected bursitis of the right shoulder with osteoarthritis and rotator cuff tear has resulted in disability approximating range of motion of the arm to midway between the side and shoulder level, but not more nearly approximating limitation to 25 degrees from the side. The criteria for a higher rating have not been met.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The penis laceration scar was rated at 10%, the anal fissure as a residual of a puncture wound to the left buttock was not compensable, tinnitus was granted, COPD with history of pneumonia was granted, and low back disorder was not granted.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not service-connected, and his left upper extremity neuropathy was not found. The Board denied increased ratings for left knee instability and arthritis, as well as a TDIU claim.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee, hands, neck, and back. The claim for hypertension remains pending as new evidence was submitted but does not establish a direct link to service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is caused by his service-connected left knee disability. The Board finds that the Veteran's left leg venous disorders are related to his service-connected left knee ACL tear.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining line of duty determinations and arranging for a VA examination to address the Veteran's left wrist and low back disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability has not more nearly approximated forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. As a result, the Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.

As of May 6, 2013, the Veteran's right ankle osteoarthritis has been manifested by marked limitation of motion and warrants a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran is in need of the regular aid and attendance of another person due to her conditions, including chronic obstructive airway disease, COPD, morbid obesity, osteoarthritis, hypertension, dyslipidemia, macular degenerative, and glaucoma. She requires assistance with activities such as transferring, walking, climbing stairs, shopping, cooking, housework, laundry, and taking her medications.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including degenerative arthritis and joint laxity, is currently rated at 10 percent. The claim for increased ratings remains denied as the evidence does not show that his conditions warrant a higher rating.