Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issue of entitlement to service connection for left and middle chest pain during a hearing before the Board. The remaining issues are related to evaluations for lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), right knee sprain, and left knee sprain.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability was denied. The current rating of 20% is maintained as the evidence does not show ankylosis or IVDS, and the Veteran's range of motion has been found to be within the criteria for the current 20% rating.

The Veteran seeks service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease of the right hip, both claimed as secondary to a right foot injury. The Board has determined that additional development is needed due to incomplete medical records and inadequate opinions regarding service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, consistent with his education and occupational experience.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the extent of his right knee disability and determine any functional loss due to pain or flare-ups.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for bilateral knee osteoarthritis. The Board found that there is no evidence linking this condition to active service or any incident of service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence on file regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities. The claim will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by pain and limited motion, has been rated at the lowest possible level (10%) since October 2008. The current examination findings do not warrant a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is not etiologically linked to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The case is being remanded for further development, including a new examination to assess the current severity of the Veteran's right knee and low back disorders.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum medical statement and seeking outstanding records of pertinent treatment.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and his other service-connected conditions do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease between L3 and S1 and osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine have worsened, but a VA examination is needed to determine the appropriate rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of his claims for increased disability ratings for his bilateral knee disabilities.

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder, including strain, hypertrophic degenerative spurs, osteoarthritis, and minimal posterior subluxation of C5 off C4, is found to be due to an in-service injury. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disability with degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, radiculopathy, lumbar spine, and gunshot wound residuals disabilities are not service-connected. The effective date for service connection of scars on the right low back is set at December 1, 1994, and no earlier. A compensable initial disability rating for the scar is denied, as is a higher than 10 percent rating for gunshot wound residuals.

The Veteran's appeal involves multiple service-connected knee and back disabilities, including lumbosacral spine degenerative joint disease at L4-L5 with limitation of motion, right knee status post-ligament damage, right knee traumatic mild degenerative arthritis with loss of motion, left knee laxity of the medial collateral ligament, and left knee traumatic osteoarthritis with limitation of motion. The appeal is currently pending due to a need for additional VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and a VA examination to determine if his service-connected disabilities render him in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder is not related to his military service or his service-connected left knee disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.