Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for vision problems, basal cell carcinoma, left elbow disability, and digestive problems were denied as they are not service-connected. The Board found that the current conditions do not have a direct link to service.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has determined that a higher evaluation is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining outstanding VA treatment records. The claims will be adjudicated again based on the new evidence.

The Veteran's spouse has been diagnosed with several conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, essential tremors, osteoarthritis requiring knee replacement and high blood pressure. The Board finds that the evidence shows she requires regular aid and attendance due to her disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee and left ankle disabilities are currently rated as 10 percent disabling, but the evidence does not support higher ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have caused him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, as he is unable to bathe himself or protect himself from daily hazards without assistance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining missing service records and VA treatment records. The Veteran will also be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any diagnosed conditions related to joint pain.

The Veteran's right ankle strain is currently rated as 10 percent disabling, reflecting a moderate limitation of motion. No other conditions were addressed in the provided text.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected left knee disorder was denied as the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5055.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for residuals of right knee injury and chronic headaches. The claim for service connection for residuals of right knee injury is granted, as there is medical evidence linking the current degenerative arthritis to his inservice right knee injury. The claim for service connection for chronic headaches remains pending due to insufficient information on its etiology.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is causally related to his military service and grants service connection for degenerative arthritis of the back.

The Veteran's increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine, cervical spine, right elbow, and right ankle/lower extremity disabilities have been granted.

The Veteran has osteoarthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spines that is as likely as not related to his active duty. The Board concludes that service connection for this condition is warranted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left lower extremity disability is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and an opinion on the etiology of his current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claim for additional development, including obtaining a VA medical opinion regarding his scoliosis and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such nature and severity as to prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, thus the Board finds that he is unemployable.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral ankle, left heel, and right heel conditions are not service-connected as they are not caused or aggravated by his military service.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability has been rated at 20 percent since the grant of service connection, but does not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board videoconference or Travel Board hearing at the local RO in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for an updated assessment of his employment handicap and eligibility for vocational rehabilitation benefits.