Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) of the right and left ankles were not found to be service connected, as they did not manifest within one year of active service or are otherwise etiologically linked to any incident of active service. The Board also found that the current diagnosed conditions are not proximately due to or the result of his service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for patellofemoral syndrome of the left knee with early osteoarthritis of the medial compartment is granted, as it was initially denied in December 1991 and later reopened on November 30, 2007.

The Veteran's increased ratings for her left knee chondromalacia patella and right knee meniscal tear with osteoarthritis were granted, but the rating for the latter condition was increased to 20% effective May 4, 2012.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left hip disability is caused by his service-connected low back disability and grants service connection for this condition as secondary to the service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable disability rating prior to August 16, 2011, and in excess of 10 percent thereafter for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was denied by the Board. The appeal is based on his complaints of pain and stiffness without evidence of limitation of motion or ankylosis.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for stomach and eye problems, as they are not related to his service or a service-connected disability. The other issues on appeal have been addressed but no rating assigned.

The Board denied service connection for bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees and a low back disability as secondary to bilateral knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right and left foot disabilities, as well as his left shoulder disability are all found to be related to service.,For the ankle disabilities, the Veteran's right ankle gout is found to have preexisted service.

The Veteran's initial claim for an increased evaluation of his left knee disability has been granted, and he is now rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5260. The rating includes consideration of the Veteran's post-operative symptoms and instability.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if any current right knee disability is related to active duty, service-connected rheumatoid arthritis, or left knee osteoarthritis. The examiner must provide opinions on whether the Veteran's current right knee disability was caused by his service-connected conditions and whether it was aggravated by them.

The Veteran's right ulnar neuropathy is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 50 percent since December 2, 2009. The Veteran's limitation of flexion and impairment of supination and/or pronation of the forearm are both rated at their maximum schedular ratings of 30 percent each. The Veteran's recurrent laryngeal papilloma is currently rated as 30 percent disabling since February 29, 2012.

The Veteran's service-connected right foot disability, characterized by osteoarthritis and hammertoe deformities, has been rated at 20 percent since the appeal period began. The Board finds that this rating is appropriate given the current severity of his symptoms.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current arthritis of the right shoulder is causally related to his in-service fall and dislocation, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated VA examinations and additional development of her claims.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a whiplash injury to the neck and shoulders requires an examination. Her hearing loss claim also needs a new VA examination, as does her TDIU claim due to her lumbar spine disability.,A VA examination is needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The Veteran testified that her symptoms have worsened since the last evaluation in 2009.,The Veteran's service connection claims for residuals of a whiplash injury and bilateral hearing loss are being remanded, as well as her TDIU claim due to her lumbar spine disability.

The case is being remanded for additional development to ensure compliance with the Joint Motion and to address functional loss associated with the Veteran's service-connected knee and right shoulder disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee osteoarthritis was not caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral foot disability, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his right knee disability prior to January 1, 2011 was denied. The RO assigned the current 10 percent rating based on limitation of flexion.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a right hip disability that is etiologically related to service. The claim for increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and PTSD, as well as the TDIU issue, are also being remanded.

The Veteran's GERD is found to be secondary to medications used for his service-connected left shoulder disability. The TDIU claim will also be adjudicated as part of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder and left knee disorder did not manifest within one year of service separation, and there is no evidence to support a finding of direct service connection. The disorders are considered to be unrelated to service.