Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee condition, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, was not incurred in service and is not related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. As a result, the claim for service connection for a left knee disability was denied.

The Veteran's low back disorder is not service-connected, and his right knee disability does not warrant a higher rating or TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left ankle disability, including degenerative arthritis and small posttraumatic ossification adjacent to the left medial malleolus, is not related to service. The condition was not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and there is no evidence of continuity of symptomatology.

The Veteran's left knee condition, characterized by dislocated semilunar cartilage and degenerative osteoarthritis, was rated at 20 percent since March 9, 2004.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right lower extremity disorder, left hip disorder, right hip disorder, bladder disorder, and erectile dysfunction are granted as secondary to his service-connected herniated disc. The initial rating for the herniated disc is also granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee condition does not warrant a rating greater than 10 percent, but has granted a separate 10 percent rating for symptomatic removal of semilunar cartilage.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability is manifested by forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, without ankylosis. The Board finds that the criteria for a 40 percent rating have been met.

The Veteran's right and left knee osteoarthritis, medial meniscus tears, and left knee MCL strain were found to be incurred in service.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability, including osteoarthritis and a back strain. The Veteran's back disability is related to his active military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the appellant's low back disorder, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to his in-service injury during ACDUTRA. The remaining issues of secondary service connection for bilateral hip, knee, and left thigh disorders are remanded for further examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by frequent episodes of locking, pain and effusion, limitation of flexion to no worse than 120 degrees, and limitation of extension to no worse than 5 degrees, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that there are outstanding VA treatment records related to the Veteran's lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities. The case is REMANDED for obtaining these records.

The Veteran's DJD/OA of the great toe joints has been found to have increased in severity, necessitating a 10% rating beginning in June 2013.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for service-connected retropatellar pain syndrome of the left knee and osteoarthritis of the right knee are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining private medical records.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the left knee is currently rated at 10 percent for the period prior to April 9, 2010. The Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his symptoms and does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disorder, bilateral leg disorders, bilateral hip disorders, and bilateral knee disorders are all service connected as they were aggravated by his service-connected pes planus.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to inadequate examination and failure to consider all relevant evidence, including lay statements of symptoms during service.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by painful motion and severe limitation of motion during daily flare-ups due to osteoarthritis that required TKR in October 2010, is currently rated at 20 percent from January 19, 2010 through October 12, 2010.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an updated medical opinion regarding the cause of the Veteran's death, specifically addressing whether his service-connected cold injury residuals contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee, right knee, and shoulder disabilities are related to service. As such, these conditions have been granted service connection.