Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for PTSD and service connection for right knee osteoarthritis. The rating for PTSD was increased to 70 percent effective April 7, 2010, but the issues of whether new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen claims for spine disorder and left knee disorder remain pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and consideration of his claims, including the severity of his right knee disability and whether his left knee disorder is secondary to his right knee disability.

The VA examiner found that the Veteran's neck pain and arthritis are not related to his service-connected disabilities, including incomplete foot drop. The Board denied both claims for service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for a new examination to determine if the Veteran's low back disability is related to his service-connected left foot disability and whether any additional back-related disabilities found are service connected.

The appeal has been withdrawn by the appellant's authorized representative before a decision could be made.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is currently rated as noncompensable, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's service-connected neurogenic bladder disability has been assigned an initial compensable rating from August 1, 2006 through June 20, 2010. The Veteran's current condition warrants a staged rating of 60 percent effective June 21, 2010.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by limited extension and osteoarthritis, has been granted a 30 percent rating effective May 8, 2012. The claim for TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's service-connected gout of multiple joints was rated at 40% prior to April 28, 2010. The Board denied an increased rating as there were no issues related to service connection and the evidence did not support a higher rating based on active process or chronic residuals.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral hip disabilities are being remanded to the RO for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and arranging for examinations.

The Veteran's service-connected calcaneal spur of the right ankle is currently rated at 10 percent, effective May 30, 2008. The disability is considered to be a direct result of his military service without any presumption or secondary connection.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and his left knee disability is rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that the current ratings are appropriate.

The Board granted service connection for a cervical spine disability and assigned a 20% evaluation effective May 29, 2009. The Veteran requested an earlier effective date but was denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The issues are related to his disability evaluation and the timeliness of his notice of disagreement regarding overpayment and waiver of indebtedness.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disability is not related to his active duty service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently evaluated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on his current symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee injury residuals and right knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.

The Board denied service connection for malaria, hemorrhagic fever, and osteoarthritis due to lack of evidence related to these conditions during the Veteran's period of service. The claims were not reopened as new and material evidence was not provided.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left knee osteoarthritis, as well as his claim for TDIU. The decision did not address any specific exposure basis or grant a rating based on the PACT Act.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the need for aid and attendance, which is sufficient to meet the criteria for SMC at the O rate.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for further development due to the need for additional examinations and medical opinions regarding his thoracolumbar spine disability and cervical spine disability.