Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was rated at 10 percent from September 11, 2009 to July 20, 2011 and at 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher initial rating for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA records.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others denied. The Veteran has a higher rating for left knee osteoarthritis status post lateral meniscectomy but not for his hip strain. He also received a separate rating for dislocated semilunar cartilage from December 14, 2009 through January 15, 2014. However, he was denied higher ratings for left knee status post total arthroplasty.

The Veteran's current right hip osteoarthritis is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected left ruptured Achilles' tendon, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates have been denied as the earliest date of receipt of a claim is not prior to the assigned effective dates.

The Veteran's left foot callus with degenerative arthritis has been granted an initial 10 percent evaluation, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder, including arthritis and sarcoidosis, is not service connected as it did not manifest during or within one year after his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary major depressive disorder is rated at 70% since April 13, 2015.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is rated at 20% since February 20, 2015.,The Veteran's IBS is rated at 30% since February 20, 2015.,The Veteran's hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet remains rated at 10%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability aggravated his diagnosed back and right hip conditions, warranting service connection for these disabilities.,The evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's altered gait due to his right knee condition caused or aggravated his right hip osteoarthritis.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not meet the schedular criteria for a TDIU prior to April 4, 2003 and denied an earlier effective date.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a disability of the hips or knees that was incurred in service or is otherwise related to any disease, injury or event in service. The preponderance of evidence favors the conclusion that the Veteran's current hip and knee disabilities are unrelated to his military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of consideration of new evidence and potential for staged ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and an opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral foot disabilities, including degenerative arthritis and onychomycosis.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability is not etiologically related to his service, including a ruptured rectus femoralis muscle during service and his MOS duties as a physical therapy specialist.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining his VA vocational rehabilitation folder and a comprehensive examination to assess the functional effects of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to work.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied, as his condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating. The effective date for service connection was also denied due to lack of evidence showing entitlement arose within one year after separation from active duty.

The Board denied service connection for residuals of a right knee injury, a right leg disorder, and a left leg disorder. The claim for low back disorder was reopened but not adjudicated.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder was denied in September 1972, and the Board has now granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left shoulder disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and obtaining updated treatment records.

The Board denied entitlement to increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability prior to May 11, 2011 and right hip disability prior to November 6, 2007.