Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for left ankle osteoarthritis and a left hammer toe deformity were granted as secondary to his service-connected left pes planus with metatarsalgia. The effective date of the grant is set at April 1, 2015.

The Veteran's lumbar spine, right lower extremity neurological, and right hip disabilities are caused by his service-connected right knee disability.,Your current lumbar spine, right lower extremity neurological, and right hip disabilities were caused by your service-connected right knee disability.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent since March 28, 2014. The Board found that the evidence did not show IVDS or indicate the occurrence of any incapacitating episodes, and thus the alternate rating formula for IVDS was not applicable.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for arthritis of the right pinky finger and a back disability. The case will be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right knee instability prior to August 10, 2011 was denied as the evidence did not show more than slight instability.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right and left shoulders is being remanded due to a scheduling issue. The hearing has been scheduled, but no date or time has been provided yet.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for residuals of left knee injury with degenerative arthritis, status post meniscectomies and total knee arthroplasty prior to January 11, 2016 was denied. The claim for a compensable rating for laxity of the left knee from January 1, 2011 through January 10, 2016 was also denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner regarding the etiology of the Veteran's erectile dysfunction and whether it is proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine degenerative arthritis.

The Board has determined that the evidence is in relative equipoise as to whether the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is related to military service. As a result, the criteria for service connection have been met and the claim is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities have been rated at 10 percent since May 2009. The VA examiner found no significant effects on the Veteran's usual occupation due to his knee conditions, but noted pain and limited range of motion in both knees.

The Veteran's initial evaluations for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and central vertigo have been denied.,Prior to June 8, 2016, the Veteran was not entitled to a higher evaluation for her vertigo. From June 8, 2016, she is now eligible for a 30 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right knee strain, including arthritis. The claim for PTSD is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding the alleged stressor.

The Veteran is granted service connection for diabetes mellitus due to Agent Orange exposure and degenerative arthritis in the left knee. Service connection for bilateral hip disorder is denied as there is no current diagnosis.

The Board has remanded the case for issuance of a statement of the case regarding the issues of entitlement to an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for left knee degenerative arthritis status post meniscal removal, service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine status post L2-L4 laminectomy, service connection right knee mild tricompartmental arthritis, and service connection bilateral hip osteoarthritis. The Veteran has the right to submit additional evidence and argument on these matters.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his thoracic spine disability was granted, with an effective date of December 28, 2016. The current evaluation is 40 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is caused by or due to his service-connected disabilities of his bilateral lower extremities, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating, service connection for cervical and thoracic spine arthritis, and hypertension were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability or service connection for cervical and thoracic spine disabilities. Service connection for hypertension was also denied as it was not incurred in service and is not secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and therefore the claim for TDIU is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability does not present an exceptional or unusual picture, and therefore, the assigned schedular ratings adequately reflect his disability level and symptomatology. As such, referral for extraschedular consideration is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The Board found no evidence of osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease within one year of discharge from service, and the medical evidence did not support a relationship between his military service and these conditions.