Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the peripheral neuropathy of his lower extremities associated with this condition are also rated. The claim for increased ratings remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for residuals of right leg mid-shaft tibia/fibula fracture was denied. The disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of his knee conditions, including any potential need for right knee replacement surgery.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis has been manifested by objective evidence of arthritis, flexion limited to no less than 90 degrees. The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left leg disabilities were denied. The residuals of a fractured tibia and fibula with shortening of the left leg, peroneal nerve damage, and osteoarthritis of the left knee joint have not been productive of ankylosis or other disabling conditions warranting higher ratings.

The Board found that the residuals of a right knee injury, status post medial plica repair, more nearly approximated the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5258 (dislocated semilunar cartilage) than the criteria for a 10 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5259 (symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage).

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including pes planus and other conditions such as hallux valgus, sesamoiditis, hammer toes, sinus tarsi syndrome, calcaneal spurs, and osteoarthritis, is not related to service. The preexisting pes planus did not increase in severity during service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee osteoarthritis is related to his service, as evidenced by continuous symptoms since separation from active duty. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee chondromalacia patella have been rated based on limitation of motion, with the highest rating of 10% for each knee.,For his residuals of a right foot injury prior to November 1, 2012, he was granted an initial compensable evaluation (10%). Since then, he has not met the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to October 19, 2009 and upgraded to 20 percent effective October 19, 2009.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, to include a neoplasm of the lumbar spine, has been reopened and is granted.,Service connection is denied for hyperostosis (excessive growth of the bone).,Service connection is denied for osteoporosis (to include osteopenia).,Service connection is denied for right hip disability, to include a neoplasm and/or trochanteric bursitis.,Service connection is denied for limitation of motion of the right leg (also claimed as osteoarthritis of right knee).,Service connection is denied for viral syndrome, to include chronic fatigue syndrome.,Service connection is denied for polyarthralgia.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee replacement, shoulder arthritis, major depressive disorder, and a healed perforation of the tympanic membrane, preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment due to his physical limitations and cognitive impairments.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is not related to service or a service-connected condition.,The Board also found no evidence of a current left foot disability due to service, and concluded that any such disability is unrelated to his service-connected left lower extremity strain.

The Veteran's bilateral ankle inversions are currently rated at 20% and the appeal is granted. The issues of secondary service connection for hip pain, thoracolumbar spine disability, and sciatic nerve impairment are also granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for diabetes mellitus, type II and lumbar spine osteoarthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and development of records.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee osteoarthritis was not incurred or aggravated in service and is not proximately due to his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and degenerative meniscal tear, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between the disability and service or service-connected left knee disorder. The back condition issue remains pending.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis is found to be related to her service, and she is granted service connection for this condition. Bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are not shown to be related to her service.

The Veteran's petition to reopen his service connection claims for depression and right knee patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis has been granted. However, the claims are not decided on their merits as there is no current disability found.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling VA examinations to evaluate the appellant's various disorders.