Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a new opinion on service connection for hypertension and retrieving any relevant private medical records. The Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection and increased rating are pending.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the bilateral feet was denied as there is no evidence of such a condition in service or within one year after separation. The Board found that the Veteran has been diagnosed with bone spurs, plantar fasciitis, and hallux valgus but not degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for hypertension and patellar tendonitis of the right knee with degenerative arthritis have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's schedular guidelines.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for his left foot conditions, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of a pre-existing condition or aggravation during active duty.

The Board denied the appellant's appeal, finding that his character of discharge from service was under dishonorable conditions and thus barred him from VA benefits.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected hallux valgus and plantar fasciitis.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been submitted to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, as the additional evidence does not relate to an unestablished fact necessary to substantiate the claim.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Board found that carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis of the hands, and osteoarthritis of the hands were not incurred or aggravated during active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA. The Veteran's conditions are attributed to her work as a mail sorter for USPS after service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and to obtain relevant medical records. The case will be returned for further action.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by painful motion with limited flexion to 70 degrees and no subluxation or instability, is rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5260.

The Veteran's right knee strain is rated at 10 percent, and his right and left shoulder conditions are each rated at 20 percent since June 14, 2013. The appeal for higher ratings remains pending.

The Board has determined that there are no separate neurological manifestations involving either upper or lower extremities associated with the Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, respectively.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent. For the period prior to October 23, 2008, he was not unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a local hearing with a Decision Review Officer (DRO). The claims of service connection for TBI, cervical spine issues, and facial injuries are pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for left knee instability was granted, and he is currently receiving a 30 percent evaluation. The claim for a compensable rating for his left knee osteoarthritis prior to January 29, 2001, has been granted, with the effective date set at that time. However, the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his left knee osteoarthritis after January 29, 2001, remains pending.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is likely the result of disease or injury incurred during active military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain was withdrawn by the Veteran, and the claim for an increased rating for osteoarthritis of bilateral hands and fingers remains pending.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a left hip disorder, including left hip osteoarthritis and total hip replacement. The Board has expanded the claim to include entitlement to service connection for a left hip disorder as shown on the title page of this decision. However, due to lack of in-service injury or disease related to parachute jumps during his first period of service, the Veteran's claim is being remanded for further development and examination.