Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's knee and ankle conditions have been rated based on their current functional limitations, with the right knee receiving a 10 percent rating for instability and the right ankle receiving a 10 percent rating. The ratings are considered appropriate given the Veteran's symptoms and physical findings.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating higher than 20 percent for left shoulder posttraumatic osteoarthritis and frozen shoulder syndrome has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU prior to December 30, 2003 is being referred to the VA Director of Compensation Service for extraschedular consideration.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left shoulder disability, secondary to his service-connected left elbow disability, was denied. His PTSD claim for an initial rating in excess of 70 percent remains pending.

The Veteran's lumbar muscle strain with degenerative osteoarthritis has not resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis, or intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes. Therefore, a rating in excess of 20 percent is not warranted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disorder, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, status post total knee replacement, in both knees, is related to his period of active service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have not resulted in permanent and total disability that would qualify him for specially adapted housing or home adaptation grant.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability did not manifest during service and is not related to a service-connected condition. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's combined rating is 50 percent, and the Board finds that his service-connected disabilities alone are enough to prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. Therefore, the claim for a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis is granted.

The Board has granted service connection for right leg bone spurs and a compensable rating for skin disability (dermographism). The claim of increased rating for back disability is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to arrange another VA examination and ensure compliance with the Correia v. McDonald decision, as well as review her TDIU claim in light of any increased rating for her right knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the claim of service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's current condition is presumed to have been incurred in service, as there is a showing of continuous symptoms since discharge.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back and right leg disabilities are not related to service, as there is no evidence of chronic symptoms during or within one year after service. The diagnoses provided by VA examiners were inconsistent with the preexisting condition determinations made at service entrance.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right hip, bilateral ankle, and bilateral foot disabilities are secondary to his service-connected left varicose vein disability and chronic lumbar strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities, including right shoulder, left shoulder, left elbow, lumbosacral spine, left knee, and right knee conditions, are not related to his military service. The acquired psychiatric disorder (to include PTSD) is also not found to be related to service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete examinations, lack of consideration of extraschedular considerations, and other procedural issues. The case is now pending further development.

The Board has remanded this case due to inadequate development and the need for a new medical opinion regarding service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to inadequate VA examination reports, and additional development is required.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back disability is not related to his period of active service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, and for increased ratings for his right shoulder disability and right knee degenerative arthritis were denied. The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was also denied.