Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for left knee service connection and respiratory disorder were denied, while the TDIU claim was not addressed.

The Veteran's appeal for increased rating of migraine headaches was withdrawn. The Board found that there is no evidence to support service connection for a back disability or bilateral hand condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine is denied as there is no evidence that it is related to his military service or a service-connected disability.,The Veteran's hearing loss has been rated at level I in the right ear and level IV in the left ear, which does not meet the criteria for an increased rating. The current evaluation adequately reflects the severity of the Veteran's condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including a VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral knee disability. The Veteran is seeking service connection for her knee condition, which she claims was caused by in-service activities.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the right knee was not incurred or aggravated in service and is not due to or aggravated by a service-connected disability. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support granting service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her service-connected right foot disability, as her last examination was in October 2007 and she has indicated that her condition has worsened.

The Veteran's petitions to reopen his previously denied service connection claims were unsuccessful as no new and material evidence was presented for any of the conditions he sought to reopen.

The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the left hip has been remanded due to incomplete development and a need for additional VA examination.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and evaluation of his condition.

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is now rated at 60 percent, effective January 3, 2014. The other conditions remain at their current ratings.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for examinations to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, of all joints was not incurred in or aggravated by active service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disability and neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities are not related to his military service, including an in-service gunshot wound. The evidence does not support a finding of service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his left and right hip disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's service-connected left hip bursitis and early osteoarthritis of the left knee are currently rated at 10 percent, with a temporary increase to 20 percent from August 27, 2007 to April 29, 2012 for limited extension. The current ratings adequately reflect the severity of his disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for lumbosacral strain with osteoarthritis, service connection for high cholesterol, and service connection for a right knee disability were denied. The RO found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for increased ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a multiple joint-related disorder, including rheumatoid arthritis, polyarthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's back disability may be service-connected as it is claimed to have been aggravated by his active service. The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim for a back disability, but further development is needed before this issue can be decided.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The claim for residuals of TBI was also denied.,New evidence received since the August 2007 decision supports reopening claims for lumbar spine DDD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and left shoulder disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The claim for residuals of TBI was also denied.,New evidence received since the August 2007 decision supports reopening claims for lumbar spine DDD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and left shoulder disability. Service connection is granted for these conditions.,The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, and the Board has denied a higher rating. The claim for residuals of TBI was also denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis was incurred in service and is therefore granted for purposes of accrued benefits.