Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA treatment records and for further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's hip and knee disabilities are not proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by his service-connected left sacral radiculopathy.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are related to his exposure to acoustic trauma during active service. Service connection was denied for basal cell carcinoma and osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for postoperative residuals of a right knee meniscectomy and right hip osteoarthritis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an evaluation greater than 20 percent for the right knee, and did not meet the criteria for an evaluation greater than 10 percent for the right hip.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is not service-connected, but his claims for back condition, left shoulder DJD, and left elbow degenerative arthritis are all granted as they are considered to be directly related to service.

The Board found that the Veteran's right wrist osteoarthritis and neurological conditions were not incurred in or aggravated by service, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for TDIU is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the effect of his service-connected bilateral pes planus on his employability.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by limited motion and slight laxity, is rated at 10 percent under the rating schedule. The claim for a higher rating was denied.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for right knee, asthma, and gout disorders, as well as a higher initial rating for hypertension to the RO via the Appeals Management Center (AMC) in Washington, DC, for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disorder is related to a reported injury during active service, and thus grants service connection for traumatic osteoarthritis of the right ankle.

The Board granted service connection for Morton's neuroma of the left foot and assigned a 10 percent evaluation, but denied service connection for right and left foot disorders other than Morton's neuroma.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by flexion limited to 95 degrees with pain throughout and extension full at zero degrees, does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent. A separate 10 percent rating is assigned for painful limitation of flexion due to arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal involves the initial ratings for his service-connected right knee and bilateral foot disabilities. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical records, as well as to schedule VA examinations to assess the current severity of these conditions.

The Board has dismissed the appeal as the appellant withdrew his claims for increased rating and service connection. The issue of total rating based on individual unemployability is remanded to the AOJ.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current left hand condition and the relationship between his service-connected injury and any current disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for patellofemoral syndrome with osteoarthritis of the right and left knees were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left wrist conditions were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral knee, shoulder, and degenerative arthritis disorders are not related to his active service. The evidence does not show continuity of symptomatology or a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected back and hip disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee degenerative arthritis are inextricably intertwined, necessitating further development of his case. The Veteran needs to provide updated medical records from Dr. T.R. Sexton and any other relevant providers.