Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbosacral strain, dorsal osteoarthritis, and maxillary sinusitis were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's left ankle disability, effective from February 21, 2013. A separate 20 percent rating is also granted for bilateral shin splints as secondary to the service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a current disability of left shoulder arthritis or left hip osteoarthritis, and thus cannot establish service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's left hip disability is being remanded for an additional VA examination to determine if it is secondary to his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder, left foot plantar fasciitis and heel spur, right knee osteoarthritis, left knee osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, iatrogenic, and hypertension have been granted service connection. The Veteran is entitled to a 10% rating for his left foot condition.

The Board has determined that a right knee disorder, including degenerative arthritis of the right knee, is etiologically related to service and grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are not service-connected as they are considered to be the result of natural progression post-service, with no evidence linking them directly to his military service.

The Board granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's right knee disability, effective from December 9, 2009. The left foot metatarsalgia issue was not addressed as it was withdrawn by the Veteran and remains pending.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right wrist disability has been denied as the evidence does not show that he meets the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's claim for higher initial ratings for degenerative osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine was granted, with a rating of 40 percent effective January 14, 2008. The decision also addressed his TDIU claim and found that he is unemployable since July 1, 2004.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran's residuals of left knee strain/sprain did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, and his limitation of extension was also denied.

The Board denied service connection for right knee and low/mid back disabilities, but granted a 20% rating for osteoarthritis of the left shoulder.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected low back disability does not warrant an extraschedular rating, but has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including arthritis and instability, is currently rated at 10 percent. The issues of increased rating for the right knee disability and initial PTSD rating prior to April 13, 2013 are addressed.

The Board finds that the Veteran's hypertension did not manifest during service and is not shown to be related to his military service. The claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and depression, is denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and left femur fracture with chondrocalcinosis, a scar, and degenerative arthritis were denied as they did not meet the criteria for increased ratings under VA rating schedules.

The Veteran's additional disability to the bilateral knees and legs is not deemed to be due to his participation in a VA CWT program, as there is no competent evidence showing that such participation caused or aggravated any pre-existing conditions.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was granted, and he is now entitled to a 30% disability rating as of March 13, 2013. Prior to that date, he did not meet the criteria for any higher rating.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is manifested by painful motion, but not forward flexion in between 30 and 60 degrees, a combined range of motion of no greater than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour. The criteria for a disability rating for a lumbar spine disorder in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.