Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hip replacements, a right knee disability (claimed as secondary to left knee DJD), and lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The claims for service connection for bilateral pes planus and prostate enlargement were also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right Achilles tendon status post rupture and repairs, as well as his osteoarthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with chronic low back pain, are service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is rated at 10 percent, and his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right knee and left knee are each rated at 10 percent. The appeal for higher ratings remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the hips is proximately due to his service-connected right fibula fracture, and thus grants the claim for service connection on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right ankle and left knee disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not support a higher disability rating.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are not of such severity as to render him unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment at any time during the period relevant to this appeal.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a spinal disorder, leg disorder, and penile disorder. The evidence did not establish that any of these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Veteran seeks service connection for osteoarthritis of the lower lumbar spine and thoracolumbar spine. The Board finds additional questions must be addressed, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current back disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral leg peripheral neuropathy and bilateral hand arthritis and neuralgia are not directly related to his service, including as residuals of frostbite. The claims for service connection have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus and Morton's neuroma with osteoarthritis of the right foot were denied. The claim for an increased rating for low back strain was also denied, but remanded due to conflicting evidence.

The Veteran's right knee instability and arthritis have been rated at 30 percent since July 1, 2008. The medical evidence shows chronic residuals of pain and weakness following his May 2007 surgery.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities include multiple knee conditions, a scalp laceration, and restrictive airway disease. The appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development of evidence regarding his new claims and VA examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including osteoarthritis of the right hip and knee, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (claimed as a heart disorder), left hip dislocation, ocular hypertension, urethra neuritis, and prostate cancer. The evidence did not establish a link between these conditions and service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right ankle, right knee, and left knee warrants initial ratings of 20 percent for the right ankle and 10 percent each for the right and left knees since January 31, 2006.

The Board denied service connection for a neck disorder, left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, and hand tremors. The Veteran's claims were not substantiated by the submitted evidence.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence to support the appellant's claims of service connection for a left shoulder and left knee disability. The preponderance of the evidence does not show that these disabilities are related to her military service.