Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the sacroiliac joint has been rated as 10 percent disabling throughout the rating period. The other conditions have not met the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Board has denied the Veteran's petition to reopen his claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis/degenerative discopathy of the lumbar spine and hearing loss, as no new and material evidence was submitted.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disorder is not related to his service, as there was no evidence of such a condition within one year after discharge. The Board also noted inconsistencies between the Veteran's statements and the STRs.

The Veteran's low back, knee, hip, and psychiatric conditions are being remanded for further examination and development. The claims for hepatitis C will also be remanded.

The Veteran's right ankle and foot disabilities are evaluated at a 10 percent rating each. The Board found that the Veteran's right ankle disability does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent, but his right metatarsalphalangeal joint disability is now rated separately at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his request for withdrawal of all claims except for a higher rating for PTSD, TDIU, and service connection for diverticulosis and shingles.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative osteoarthritis of the left ankle and tarsal tunnel syndrome of the left foot have been granted initial ratings of 20 percent each, effective March 30, 2006.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and a more current examination of his left knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the right knee was not incurred in or aggravated by active duty, and service connection for this condition may not be presumed.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbosacral strain, bone spurs of the left shoulder, and degenerative arthritis of the right hand were denied as there is no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the right knee is proximately due to or the result of service-connected reflex sympathetic dystrophy, right lower extremity, to include the thigh. The claims for increased evaluations and service connection for migraines are remanded as additional examinations and/or medical opinions are needed.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right knee disability more nearly approximates a 30 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5260, based on limitation of flexion.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with osteoarthritis of both feet and ankles is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum schedular rating for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional medical records, as well as further consideration of his claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran should undergo VA examinations to assess his upper back disability, lumbar spine disability, and radiculopathy. The case is also remanded for additional development related to vocational rehabilitation and updated treatment records.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected conditions did not cause or contribute to his death, and thus denied DIC benefits. The appellant also sought DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 but was denied as well.

The Veteran's right and left knee osteoarthritis were rated at 10 percent prior to June 28, 2007. After that date, the knees were rated at 20 percent for flexion loss. The RO granted a separate rating of 30 percent for loss of flexion in both knees since March 10, 2009.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was incurred or aggravated in service.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including osteoarthritis, is found to be caused or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed respiratory condition, cervical spine arthritis, lumbar spine arthritis, and left hip arthritis are not related to his active duty service. The evidence does not establish a nexus between these conditions and his military service.