Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, effective January 13, 2017. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected multiple lipomas of the right upper extremity, left upper extremity, anterior trunk, and posterior trunk have been rated as noncompensable prior to April 18, 2017, and as 20 percent disabling thereafter. Service connection for right knee osteoarthritis has also been granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right shoulder and right ankle disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including degenerative joint disease and chronic quadriceps muscle strain, has not met the criteria for a higher rating since June 15, 2012.,Since December 29, 2015, his service-connected severe muscle injury of the left quadriceps has also not met the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability is etiologically related to his service, and thus grants service connection for a variously diagnosed right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal through his authorized representative prior to the Board issuing a decision.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee is granted, and he is awarded a compensable rating for his hemorrhoids with anal fissures.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee joint osteoarthritis and recurrent subluxation of the right knee were incurred in service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hip osteoarthritis is related to his active military service, while his current left shoulder disorder is not related to his service.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling due to pain and instability, but not meeting the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other diagnostic codes. A separate rating for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage has been granted.

The Veteran's thoracic and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5243. The Board finds no basis for a higher evaluation based on the evidence of record prior to June 8, 2017.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee osteoarthritis did not meet the criteria for a higher rating through November 2, 2015. However, beginning January 1, 2017, when he had a total knee replacement, his disability warranted a separate 10 percent rating for other knee impairment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorder is related to his periods of active and inactive duty for training (ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA) in the Reserves, which caused falls and injuries resulting in his current condition.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis, anxiety disorder, and diabetes mellitus. The Veteran's left knee disability is presumed to have been incurred in service due to a diagnosed condition during active duty. His anxiety disorder is related to his military service, specifically exposure to traumatic events. Diabetes mellitus is found to be at least as likely as not caused by the Veteran's reported exposure to Malathion insecticide while serving as an air policeman.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis, which developed after a service-connected injury in 1959, is found to be related to his military service and granted service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability has been evaluated at 40 percent prior to July 26, 2010, and 50 percent thereafter. The Board found no basis for a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion but granted a separate 10 percent evaluation for instability.

The Veteran's appeal for higher initial disability ratings for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was withdrawn before the Board could make a decision.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or limitation of motion warranting a higher evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD, increased ratings for his leg disabilities, and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of a current diagnosis of PTSD or that the Veteran's leg disabilities are related to his active duty service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that new and material evidence was not submitted to reopen these claims.