Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's claims for bilateral knee pain and low back pain, both claimed as joint or muscle pain respectively, were denied due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service. The claim for neurologic signs and symptoms was also denied.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's right and left knee degenerative arthritis have been granted with noncompensable initial ratings, effective August 1, 2008.

The Veteran's service-connected left and right heel disabilities have been rated at 10 percent since July 17, 2009. The claims for higher ratings are granted.

The Veteran's right knee lateral meniscus tear and arthritis have been rated at the maximum schedular rating of 30 percent since May 13, 2004. The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis has been rated at 10 percent since April 17, 2006.,The Veteran's right knee replacement surgery on April 2, 2008 resulted in a 100% rating for one year following the procedure.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left foot disorder, including degenerative arthritis, did not have its onset during active service or within one year thereafter and is not related to any incident of such service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for residuals of a fracture of the left foot was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left hip with status-post total arthroplasty was not incurred in service and is not attributable directly to, or aggravated by, his service-connected cervical disc disease with mild left hemiparesis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, and status post cervical fusion residuals were denied as there was no evidence to support a higher rating based on the current manifestations.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The claim for service connection for right hip disorder and low back disorder was referred to the RO.

The Veteran does not have a current right hip disorder that is causally related to her active military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder, including osteoarthritis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to any incident during service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development to obtain relevant medical records and determine if his current knee and left foot disabilities are related to service. The Veteran is advised that any outstanding treatment records should be submitted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional records and provide a new VA examination regarding his employability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated VA and private treatment records, scheduling a VA spine examination to determine the etiology of the Veteran's scoliosis and osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, and determining whether service connection should be granted.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute to his death from multiple myeloma, which was not shown in service or within a presumptive period.

The Veteran has effectively lost the use of both lower extremities due to his service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, which precludes him from using his legs without assistance. As a result, he is eligible for specially adapted housing but not for a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's current osteoarthritis conditions are not related to his military service, including the syphilis he contracted during his service. His low back disorder is also unrelated to his service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a personal hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.