Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable disability rating for status post left fourth finger fracture with open reduction internal fixation has been withdrawn. The remaining issues of increased ratings for back, neck, cubital tunnel syndrome, hypertension, and migraine headaches are remanded.

The Board has granted an increased rating of 10 percent for the Veteran's service-connected right knee disabilities, effective from January 29, 2010.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his cervical spine, right shoulder, right knee, and left knee disabilities were denied. The current ratings of 20 percent each are maintained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left tibial fracture, status post ORIF with retained hardware, does not meet the criteria for a compensable initial evaluation.

The Board denied service connection for TMJ and hypopigmentation of the hands following wart removal, but granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the hips with a 10 percent evaluation. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the hips was also denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment for which he would otherwise be qualified.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right foot injury but denied the claim as there is no evidence that the current condition is related to the in-service injury.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a current disability of the back that manifested during, or as a result of, active military service, nor does he have a current disability of the back that was caused by, or aggravated by, a service-connected disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right hip osteoarthritis is not related to his service, as it was a congenital defect and did not develop due to any in-service injury or aggravation.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed left knee degenerative arthritis is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee, left knee, and lumbar spine disabilities are related to service. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to May 8, 2012, and a rating in excess of 30 percent after May 8, 2012, for right knee medial collateral ligament strain with osteoarthritis based on limitation of motion was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anemia and bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a medical examination.

The Veteran's low back disability is related to service and granted.,There is no current diagnosis of a nerve condition in the lower extremities, thus denying claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's left hip disability is service connected as a manifestation of his already service-connected arthritis. The right foot osteoarthritis has been rated at the lowest possible level due to its current severity.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner and ensuring that any additional development is completed. The Veteran's left shoulder disability will be reviewed to determine if it is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU benefits are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder strain and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis did not manifest during or as a result of active military service, nor were they shown to be related to such service. The claims for neck condition and back condition were also denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus and an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the left knee. The Veteran's pre-existing pes planus was not aggravated by active duty, as there is no evidence that it worsened during service. For his left knee disability, the VA examiner found no aggravation due to service.