Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine syringomyelia. The issue of service connection for degenerative disc disease and arthritis of the lumbar spine is addressed in the REMAND portion.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a gastrointestinal disability other than chronic gastritis, to include IBS, and for degenerative arthritis with patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee. The Veteran is entitled to an SOC regarding his claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis with patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected right shoulder disability and post-surgical scar are being remanded to allow for further development, including scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to April 8, 2015 and did not meet criteria for any of the requested increased ratings.

The Veteran's left knee DJD, right shoulder disability (including DJD), and left foot disability are all found to be service-connected. The initial compensable rating for residuals of a left shoulder injury is granted, while the claim for an increased rating for cervical spine disability prior to September 26, 2014 and from that date remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder and tinnitus are not related to his military service.,Service connection for a left knee disorder is denied as there is no evidence of chronic left knee problems during or within one year after service, and the current condition is more likely due to aging and wear and tear.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to comply with recent case law regarding range of motion testing.

The Veteran's combined rating for right wrist injury residuals, including osteoarthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome, was granted at a 70 percent level effective February 2, 2015. The appeal as to the separate rating for carpal tunnel syndrome has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected status post laminectomy with advanced osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent, effective January 15, 2015.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining post-service medical records and scheduling VA examinations to evaluate the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has dismissed the appeal of the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbosacral spine strain, to include degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The claims for service connection for dyslipidemia and bilateral hearing loss disability have been granted. However, the claim for hypertension (to include as secondary to IHD) has not been resolved.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis had its onset in service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA treatment records. The case will be readjudicated after the development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran was not on a period of authorized travel to duty in February 1964, when he claims he was struck by a car and injured. As such, his current left hip, left fibula, and left shoulder disabilities as well as his left leg lumbar radiculopathy, TBI, and headaches are not service-connected.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and updated treatment records. The claims will be reconsidered after these steps are completed.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss and found that the Veteran's current hearing loss disability is related to his period of active service, including in-service noise exposure.

The Veteran's knee disabilities are being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his right and left knee conditions.

The Veteran's low back disability, including degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, is found to be related to her service due to repetitive use during active duty and Reserve service. The Board granted service connection for these conditions.