Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2017

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for right and left knee degenerative arthritis are granted, with effective dates set at October 5, 2011.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are denied. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating or service connection for any of the conditions listed.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee osteoarthritis is not related to her in-service injury and therefore denied service connection for a left knee disability.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee and congenital cataract in the right eye, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, characterized by degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, has been rated at the highest available level of 40 percent since February 23, 2016.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not related to service and denied his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not entitled to separate compensable ratings for instability of his right knee, as there was no indication of recurrent subluxation or lateral instability during the period on appeal. The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left knee is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was rated at 20 percent effective April 16, 2007. The appeal for increased ratings is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability, other than anterior compression fractures at T12-L1, did not meet the criteria for service connection as it was not shown to be related to active duty or secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is characterized by increased chronic low back pain and corresponding functional impairment, more nearly approximating limitation of flexion to 30 degrees or less. The Board finds that a rating of 40 percent, but not higher, for lumbosacral strain has been met.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.,The Veteran's right ankle disorder is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection and granted them, finding that new and material evidence was received. Service connection is established for bilateral pes planus, left ankle degenerative arthritis, right and left foot equinus deformities, and bilateral plantar fasciitis. Rheumatoid arthritis is not service connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right knee disability and obtain any outstanding records pertinent to his claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of degenerative arthritis in either ankle or lumbar spine, and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. The COPD claim was denied as well.

The Board finds that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his back and cervical spine conditions, require regular aid and attendance of another person. As a result, the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance are met.

The Board found no evidence of a neck injury or chronic cervical spine disease during service, and the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not etiologically related to his military service. The claim for service connection for a cervical spine disorder is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's osteoarthritis and disc desiccation of the lumbar spine are related to his service, granting service connection for these conditions. The claim for a testicle condition was denied as there is no evidence of such a condition during the appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, right carpal tunnel syndrome and cervical spine conditions are not related to his military service. The claims for these conditions have been denied.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability. The current osteoarthritis of the right knee is found to be related to his in-service parachute jumps.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been rated at 30 percent each, reflecting the severity of his symptoms without meeting higher criteria for more severe ratings.