Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's tinnitus and right knee disability have been rated based on their severity, but the right knee has not met the criteria for a higher rating since October 10, 2014. The left shoulder and head trauma disabilities are also rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected back condition is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the cause of his death (respiratory failure due to pneumonia) is not linked to his military service. The Veteran did not require aid and attendance solely due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing at the local VA Regional Office.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for cervical spine and upper extremity radiculopathy has been denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The current rating of 30 percent for the cervical spine disability remains unchanged.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have service connection for osteoarthritis of multiple joints/polyarthritis, a cervical spine disability, or a bilateral foot disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis changes and peripheral nerve deficit of the right extremity was not incurred or aggravated by active service, as there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The Board concluded that the preponderance of the evidence did not support a finding of service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is service-connected, as it was incurred during his active military service. The claims for cervical spine and bilateral knee conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion.

The Board has ordered the case back to VA for additional development due to an inadequate examination and opinion regarding the Veteran's claimed knee disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unemployable, as he is capable of engaging in sedentary employment.

The Veteran is seeking a higher initial disability rating for his right ankle disability, which was initially granted in January 2010 with a noncompensable rating. The case has been remanded to obtain additional evidence and determine the appropriate rating.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease of both ankles, and chondromalacia with x-ray evidence of degenerative joint disease of both knees. The Board found that there is no medical evidence showing a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the left sacroiliac joint and radiculopathy, left femoral nerve are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral foot disorder, degenerative arthritis of the knees, and nose disorder have been denied as his conditions are not related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine does not warrant a grant of service connection, but has granted entitlement to a TDIU based on his combined rating of 60% and his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to any event or injury during his military service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, post traumatic osteoarthritis of the right shoulder with loss of range of motion, tinnitus, and bilateral high frequency hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues, including initial compensable rating for GERD and increased ratings for knee and cervical spine conditions. The reduction in the disability rating from 20 to 0 percent for left knee instability effective July 17, 2014 was found proper.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lower back disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis with disc bulging, is related to his period of active duty service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's spinal disability was productive of incapacitating episodes lasting at least one but less than two weeks in the prior 12 months and a combined range of motion in the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees, warranting a 20 percent disability rating from September 4, 2013 to August 9, 2016.