Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2017

The Veteran is seeking an increased initial evaluation for left knee osteoarthritis and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities. The case is being remanded to obtain additional records associated with the Veteran's State disability retirement in June 2006, and to adjudicate the claim of entitlement to TDIU.

The Board found that the September 2009 rating decision improperly increased the Veteran's ratings for his service-connected right knee injury and mild osteoarthritis of the right hip to 20 percent. The reduction from these ratings to 10 percent is considered proper based on clear and unmistakable error (CUE).

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left thumb disability, to include residuals of a left thumb fracture. However, further development is needed as the VA examination and additional medical records are required before the claims can be adjudicated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to evaluate the severity of his cervical spine disability, as well as for obtaining updated treatment records. The Veteran seeks an increased initial rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability.

The appellant has withdrawn all issues on appeal. The Board does not have jurisdiction to review these claims.

The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for the Veteran's right knee medial meniscus tear and degenerative arthritis, effective from November 29, 2009.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the issues of increased evaluations for his bilateral plantar fasciitis are also denied.,Service connection for coronary artery disease and testicular cancer was not granted as they were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's left knee disability and whether a separate rating is warranted under 38 C.F.R. § 4.71a, DC 5259 (cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic).

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support a finding of service connection for the Veteran's neurological disability of the lower extremities as secondary to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination and additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left shoulder osteoarthritis, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disease in service and insufficient credible lay evidence to establish continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is proximately due to his service-connected orthopedic disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has granted service connection for a right knee disability and denied an increased rating for left knee disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's right leg disorder, diagnosed as osteoarthritis of the right knee, was not incurred during active service or due to a service-connected condition. The claim for higher rating for his right ankle disability was also denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent for patellar tendonitis and osteoarthritis, but the evidence does not show that her range of motion has been limited to a degree warranting an increased rating. The sacroiliac tendonitis issue remains unresolved.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, bilateral calcaneal spurs, and bilateral plantar calcaneal spurs. Service connection for RA is denied as there is no evidence that it was incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current osteoarthritis of the right knee is not related to his military service and denied the claim.

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