Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's chondromalacia and degenerative arthritis of the left and right knees do not meet or approximate criteria for a disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied. The RO granted a 40 percent rating effective August 4, 2011.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for an appropriate VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his diagnosed foot disabilities, including bilateral bunionette, bilateral hallux limitus, and degenerative arthritis of both feet. The examiner should also provide an opinion on whether arthritis shown in a private podiatrist's report dated in August 2008 was at least as likely as not manifested within one year of the Veteran's discharge from his final period of active duty in April 2006.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities, diagnosed as osteoarthritis of the knees with total knee replacements, are likely due to disease or injury incurred in service.,Service connection is granted for right and left knee disabilities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine from August 1, 2008 to March 12, 2010 and since March 12, 2010. The criteria for higher initial evaluations were not met.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding his knees and service connection claim.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for generalized osteoarthritis, bilateral elbow disability, chest palpitations, pre-diabetes, TMJ dysfunction, and periodontal disease due to withdrawal of these claims. Service connection is granted for bilateral carpel tunnel syndrome.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for his back disorder and TDIU are also being referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his conditions did not preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found no credible and competent evidence linking the Veteran's bilateral hip degenerative joint disease to her active service or a service-connected disability, thus denying her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for osteoarthritis of the left knee has been granted, with a 20 percent disability rating effective from May 1, 2014.

The Board determined that the Veteran's left hip disorder is not service connected as secondary to his service-connected total left knee replacement.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disorders are not related to his military service and therefore denies his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability and left foot scar have been evaluated, but the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for his left knee, hip, and back disabilities as secondary to his right knee disability. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee, status post total knee replacement is being remanded due to a lack of a VA examination. The examiner will be asked to determine if the current condition is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee was granted with an effective date of March 27, 2004. The original claim was filed in November 1969 when he requested service connection for a pungi stake penetrating injury to his right leg.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee sprain is currently rated at 10 percent, the minimum compensable rating. The VA examiner found no more than minimal degenerative changes and limited range of motion, which does not meet criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left hip disability is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his left hip disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.