Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

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.

The Veteran's right-sided Bell's palsy is found to have its onset during service, and the Board grants service connection for this condition. The Veteran's bilateral knee osteoarthritis is also found to be related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, combined with other disabilities, does not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of the right wrist and left forearm were denied by the RO. The Board found that the current rating assigned adequately reflects the severity of his service-connected right wrist disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of lumbar degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, and cervical degenerative disc disease are related to his active duty service. The Board finds that these conditions were incurred in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine disabilities, as well as his bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, are not service-connected. The evidence does not establish a link between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals on all issues, including service connection for a left hip disability and increased ratings for various joints and hypertension. The appeal is dismissed.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed bilateral knee, left ankle, and right shoulder disabilities are service-connected.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, is related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to care for his daily needs, requiring the regular aid and attendance of another person. The Board finds SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is warranted.