Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's traumatic brain injury and obstructive sleep apnea are found to be service-connected. The PTSD is assigned a 50% disability rating, the left knee and right knee conditions are each rated at 10%, the shoulder strains are not service-connected, the wrist condition does not meet criteria for a higher rating, the spine strain is rated at 10%, the ankle strains do not warrant a higher rating, the hiatal hernia with GERD is rated at 10%, and the headaches are assigned a 30% disability rating. The Veteran's hypertension, DVT, restless leg syndrome, IBS, erectile dysfunction, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease are each rated at 10%.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected lumbar spine, left knee, and right knee disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation in any of these conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a bilateral hip disorder, finding that his current condition is not due to an in-service injury or disease and did not result from any chronic disability present during service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder, including osteoarthritis and post-operative residuals of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructive surgery, is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.

The Board has granted an earlier effective date of March 6, 2006 for the grant of service connection for degenerative arthritis of both ankles. The Veteran's initial claim to reopen was received on March 6, 2006.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right knee replacement, finding that it is proximately due to his service-connected left knee replacement.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability did not manifest in service or within the first post-service year, and it is not etiologically related to service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as lumbar spondylosis and degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, is related to an injury in service. The Board has determined that the criteria for establishing service connection are met.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not related to his period of service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for coronary artery disease and aortic valve sclerosis, as these conditions are proximately due to or the result of his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's other claims have been denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being REMANDED for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the severity of his low back disability. The TDIU claim will also be addressed.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for additional development, including scheduling a Travel Board hearing.

The Veteran's chronic left knee disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, is found to have been incurred during his period of active duty service. The Board grants the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's lumbosacral osteoarthritis with lumbar spinal stenosis does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule.

The Veteran's current left upper extremity disabilities, including carpal tunnel syndrome, acromioclavicular joint and glenohumeral joint degenerative features, and mild osteoarthritis of the wrist, are not related to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability, diagnosed as IVDS, lumbar osteoarthritis, and thoracic osteoarthritis, is related to his military service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

Service connection is granted for left knee osteoarthritis and hypertension.,The Veteran's right ankle sprain and left ankle sprain issues are pending, as the necessary medical records have not been received.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate examination reports and the need for further development of his right knee osteoarthritis claim.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling the Veteran for examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.