Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's right shoulder disorder did not manifest during service and is not attributable to service, thus denying his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, right knee, and left lower extremity conditions have been rated as appropriate based on the severity of his symptoms.

The Veteran's right knee disability has been manifested by pain and limitation of motion, but no ankylosis, dislocated semilunar cartilage, no limitation of extension, or impairment of the tibia and fibula. The Board finds that his disability does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected foot disabilities are being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and an addendum opinion addressing the relationship between his nonservice-connected plantar fasciitis and his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by osteoarthritis with labral tear and rotator cuff tendonitis, has been rated at 20 percent since January 5, 2008. The current rating is denied as the evidence does not show limitation of motion to a degree that warrants an increased evaluation.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracolumbar spine disability and an initial rating higher than 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine. The appeal was remanded multiple times, but the claims were ultimately denied.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for GERD and osteoarthritis (other than lumbar spine) to determine if they are secondary to service-connected disabilities. The March 2012 VA examiner provided an addendum opinion addressing these issues.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his left knee arthritis and instability, as well as an initial evaluation for his right knee disability were denied. The VA examiner found that the Veteran had DJD of the left knee with a flexion range to 140 degrees without pain.

The Board has remanded the issues of increased ratings for ulnar neuropathy and osteoarthritis of the right upper extremity due to additional development needed, including obtaining private treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran's skin problems and arthritis of the knees, ankles, and right elbow are not related to his service-connected syphilis.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right hip, finding that it is related to active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's osteoarthritis and hypertension were not incurred in or aggravated by service, are not due to a service-connected disability, and may not be presumed to have been incurred in service.

The Board found no evidence of a service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine, cervical spine, or left knee disabilities. The conditions were not shown to be related to his in-service motor vehicle accident.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disorder and arthritis of the wrists, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.,There is insufficient evidence to establish a link between the Veteran's current low back and wrist disorders and his active duty service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left knee and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are related to his active military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have physical residuals secondary to nitrogen narcosis.,Degenerative arthritis of the hips was first manifested years after service and is unrelated to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee osteoarthritis did not manifest in service or within one year of separation from active service, and there is no probative evidence linking postservice bilateral knee osteoarthritis to service. As such, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a compensable disability rating for his left knee condition were granted, with the initial rating of 10% effective May 29, 1998. The issue of a separate disability rating for a left tibia disorder was not addressed in this decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a disorder of the left hand, including lymphangitis, trigger finger, and osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and examination, as well as clarification of his work absences.