Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The VA medical opinion found no evidence of negligence or fault on the part of VA in providing care for the Veteran's right hip disability. The Veteran's current right hip disability is considered to be a result of his own conditions and not due to any fault of VA.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left knee disability and osteoarthritis of the left hip were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in any of his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's increased evaluations for his left and right knee disabilities were denied.,Both knees are currently rated 10 percent disabling, with no higher ratings granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The right knee osteoarthritis was rated as 10% disabling, the bilateral inguinal hernia repair had no residuals, the residual neurological deficit of the ring finger did not meet criteria for a compensable rating, seasonal allergies were rated as non-compensable, and varicose veins of the right lower extremity were found to be unrelated to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's osteoarthritis was not incurred in service and could not be presumed to have been incurred due to lead exposure. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board denied service connection for a right wrist disability and dismissed the claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine was denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis, which would warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's chronic lumbar strain with osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease of the thoracic spine has been rated at 20 percent since August 18, 2005.

The Veteran seeks service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee, which he claims was caused by a laceration injury during active duty. The Board has not obtained all relevant treatment records and is remanding the case to ensure these records are obtained.

The Veteran's left knee arthritis is manifested by x-ray evidence showing degenerative arthritic changes, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's musculoskeletal system evaluation guidelines.

The Veteran's initial claim for service connection was granted, and he is currently receiving a 20 percent rating for his left leg disability. The Board found that the disability has worsened since May 15, 2010, warranting an increased rating to 40 percent.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right knee disorder is not shown to be causally or etiologically related to his military service, and arthritis did not manifest within one year of his discharge from service.

The Board has remanded the claim for a TDIU due to additional development being required, including obtaining further medical opinions and considering the Veteran's education, work experience, and training.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The claim for higher ratings is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Board hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's spouse is not eligible for the full-dollar rate of DIC benefits due to her residence in the Philippines, and her service was with the Commonwealth Army of the Philippines. The Appellant does not meet the criteria for increased DIC based on need for aid and attendance or being housebound.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability, including a tumor of the humerus and osteoarthritis, did not have its onset during service or within one year after separation. The disability is also unrelated to any in-service injury or event.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral osteoarthritis of the hands and mallet finger deformity of the right hand. The Veteran's symptoms are considered to be related to his aging process rather than being incurred in or aggravated by service.