Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities have been rated at 10 percent each, effective October 20, 2008. The Board found that higher ratings were not warranted under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected postoperative bilateral keratoma with metatarsalgia is currently rated at 30 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current right knee disorder, and any right knee symptoms are more likely related to age-related osteoarthritis rather than service.,Service connection for a right knee disorder is denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease, and any current condition is less likely due to active duty service.

The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated at 70 percent, and her reflux sympathetic dystrophy of the right foot, lower leg, and ankle is rated at 40 percent. The other conditions are not increased.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are not related to his service, as there is no evidence of such conditions during or within one year after service. The VA examiner opined that it is less likely than not that any diagnosis of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hands incurred in or was a result of the Veteran's service.

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

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar scoliosis, depression, left thumb disorder, right knee disorder, left knee disorder, cervical spine disorder, gastritis, GERD, and hiatal hernia. The decision is granted as new and material evidence has been received.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as he does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his degenerative arthritis of the first metatarsal phalangeal joint of the right foot.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and providing a medical opinion on the severity of her service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left foot/ankle disability and right shoulder disability were not incurred or aggravated by service. The evidence did not support a nexus between these disabilities and service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for entitlement to increased evaluations for right knee instability. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of moderate or severe instability, warranting higher ratings.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, specifically A/C joint separation and osteoarthritis, has been manifested by limitation of arm motion above shoulder level. The Board found that the current rating of 20 percent is appropriate given the Veteran's symptoms.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is related to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's right hip disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to a scheduling issue for an in-person hearing at the RO. The Veteran's appeal is still pending and will be reconsidered after the hearing.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disability did not manifest within one year of his separation from service and is not otherwise related to a disease or injury in service. The lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for an evaluation higher than 40 percent, as symptoms do not include ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome. However, there are mild incomplete paralysis of the lower extremities associated with the lumbar spine disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's Legg Perthes disease was aggravated during active service, and therefore grants service connection for a right hip disability. The low back disability is secondary to the now-service-connected right hip disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's lower back, left elbow, and tinnitus disabilities have been granted service connection. The initial ratings for these conditions are each set at 10 percent.