Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran does not have service connection for bilateral cataracts, arthritis (gouty and osteoarthritis), or a low back disability. The Board finds that the current diagnoses are not related to active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral and left hip disabilities, including osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, and bursitis, were not related to his military service. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions had their onset during or within one year after his separation from active duty.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes, with or without consideration of pain and other symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for mechanical low back pain with osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine was denied, as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral elbow disability did not manifest in service or for many years thereafter, and is not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability has been granted, with the assigned rating of 20 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disabilities are not service-connected due to lack of chronicity in service and no continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease have been dismissed. The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as osteoarthritis of the bilateral hips.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral foot strain disabilities are remanded to issue a Statement of the Case.

The Veteran's initial claim of a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was granted, with an effective date of May 29, 2006. The Board remanded the case multiple times and in August 2013, he was assigned a 40 percent rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability since January 14, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the right hand is related to his service, and the Board finds reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Service connection for a right hand disability is granted.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and medial meniscectomy have been rated based on their current manifestations, with no additional rating granted for instability or flexion limitation.

The Veteran's right and left knee chondromalacia are each rated at 10 percent, with no higher ratings granted.,Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent. The cervical spine condition remains rated at 10 percent.,Propriety of separate ratings for radiculopathy in both upper and lower extremities has been addressed as part of the initial rating determinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service-connected low back disability, including a new VA examination and the provision of any relevant medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his claim based on additional evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities, as well as his back disability, have been granted a 100 percent evaluation based on the total left knee replacement effective April 19, 2016. The remaining issues remain on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral ankle osteoarthritis is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.