Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's service connection claims for hypertension, upper and lower extremity disabilities, and bilateral eye disability have been denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's left hip disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis with trochanteric bursitis and chronic muscular strain, is found to be secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The temporary total rating for hospitalization in excess of 21 days due to a service-connected condition is also granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for reopening his service connection claims for right ear hearing loss, bilateral knee disability to include infectious disease, and acquired psychiatric disabilities. The evidence submitted since the last final denial was found to be cumulative or redundant.

The Veteran's claim for a TDIU is being remanded due to the need for further development by the Director of Compensation and Pension Services.

The Veteran's claims for service connection of secondary conditions to his right knee osteoarthritis were denied.

The Veteran's thoracic muscle strain with fibrositis of the right scapular area and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was rated at 10 percent prior to August 5, 2013. Since then, it has been rated as 40 percent.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating prior to May 30, 2012 and since then has not resulted in forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees or any other condition that would warrant an increased rating.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability. The Board finds that the Veteran's current osteoarthritis of the cervical spine should be granted as secondary to his service-connected degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left rotator cuff disorder is not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's current diagnosed lumbar spine disabilities are not related to his active service and the Board finds that they do not meet the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule a videoconference hearing with the Board due to his request. The initial compensable evaluations for bilateral hearing loss disability and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine are on hold until further notice.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar disability is currently rated at 40 percent from August 1, 2011. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for increased ratings and initial rating claims for left knee conditions. The Board is dismissing the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for an extension beyond March 31, 2010 for a TTR based on treatment requiring convalescence has been withdrawn.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's nonservice-connected pension claim, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a comprehensive employment history assessment. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Veteran's left knee and low back disabilities are not service-connected as they are not related to his active duty service or any recognized chronic condition that manifested within one year of separation from service. The Board finds the evidence does not support a finding that these conditions are proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus with hammertoes and plantar calluses.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee osteoarthritis are aggravated by his service-connected pes planus, warranting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his satisfaction with the current benefits award.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded for a videoconference hearing before a Veterans Law Judge.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the right thumb. The Veteran's GERD is rated at 30 percent.