Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of December 23, 2005.

The Veteran's right foot disability, including osteoarthritis and surgical scars from a bunionectomy, is currently rated at 20 percent. The appeal for an increased rating remains denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is service-connected, but his right knee osteoarthritis is not related to his service-connected left knee condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD has been granted. The case is also remanded to determine the impact of his service-connected low back disability on employment and to adjudicate his TDIU claim.

The Board found that the Veteran's left upper extremity and cervical spine disabilities were not shown in service or for many years thereafter, and the most probative evidence fails to link these conditions to service.,The Board also determined that there was no causal connection between the Veteran's current cervical spine disability and his right ankle arthritis and sprain.

The Veteran's appeal of the denial of his claim for a temporary total disability rating due to hospitalization over 21 days has been withdrawn. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding service connection for left hip disability.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, including history of dislocation and degenerative arthritis, is currently rated at 20 percent. The claim for a higher rating under DCs 5200-5203 was denied as the evidence does not support frequent episodes of dislocation or guarding of all arm movements.

The Veteran's right thigh myositis ossificans and right knee osteoarthritis were granted initial evaluations in excess of the assigned ratings. Service connection was established for hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hypertrophy with urinary obstruction, and hypertension.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, including osteoarthritis and a meniscus injury, was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service. The preexisting condition of a right knee arthroscopic surgery is considered to have existed prior to service and did not increase in severity during service. Osteoarthritis is deemed the natural progression of the pre-existing right knee injury/treatment combined with post-service obesity and occupational bending.

The Board granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis with chondromalacia patella and osteochondromata, finding it related to the Veteran's active service. The left knee condition was also found to be related to service, but a separate rating of 10 percent is assigned for lateral instability.

The Board has determined that the reduction in the evaluation of the Veteran's right knee disability from 60% to 10% was proper, effective October 1, 2007. The Veteran is now rated at 10% for limitation of flexion and 40% for limitation of extension.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for another VA examination and supplemental opinion regarding his right shoulder disorder, which may be related to or aggravated by his service-connected left shoulder disorder.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is required to determine if any current right or left knee disorder is etiologically related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral knee arthritis and lumbar osteoarthritis, contributed to his death from septic shock. Service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination to reassess the severity of his service-connected left knee disability. The issues on appeal are an increased rating for osteoarthritis of the left knee and TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection are not properly adjudicated due to a lack of information regarding his periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, and INACDUTRA. The RO is instructed to obtain this information and provide the Veteran with appropriate VCAA notice.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the right and left knees is currently rated at 10 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion or other factors.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluation, SMC based on loss of use of the left upper extremity, and SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance are being remanded due to insufficient evidence. Further development is needed to determine if the service-connected conditions result in loss of use of the hand or upper extremity.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn by his representative prior to the Board making a decision.

The Veteran's right foot osteoarthritis and fracture residuals are currently rated at 30 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating.