Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the back is not considered service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee disability is the proximal cause of his degenerative joint disease, right knee. The Board grants service connection for this condition as secondary to his service-connected left knee disorder.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his right ankle disability was denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating than 20 percent.

The Veteran's right knee disabilities have been rated based on their current manifestations, with a separate rating for the scar and a separate rating for degenerative arthritis. The Board has determined that these ratings are appropriate.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is related to his active military service, and mild osteoarthritis of the bilateral hips was not incurred in or aggravated by active military service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and additional treatment records, as well as consideration of whether he is unemployable due to his service-connected disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right knee disability was denied as the evidence did not show limitation of motion or other impairment that would warrant a higher evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case to schedule a VA audiometric examination for the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss, and to review additional evidence received at the Board.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, which include knee and ankle conditions, do not meet the percentage rating standards for TDIU. However, the Board found that all forms of employment were not precluded solely due to these disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of both feet is related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right kidney disorder was denied. The Board found that the right kidney disorder, which is presumed to be due to exposure to herbicides during service in Vietnam, was not caused by his service and is therefore not service-connected.

The Veteran's service-connected right ankle fracture with traumatic degenerative arthritis does not meet the criteria for vocational rehabilitation services under Chapter 31 of Title 38, United States Code.

The Board found that the Veteran was not unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities prior to June 4, 2002 and denied an earlier effective date for TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the left hip and right hip, both status post total hip replacement. The Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 is dismissed as moot due to the grant of service connection.

The Veteran's back disability is not service-connected, and his right and left hip disabilities are currently evaluated at the lowest possible rating due to their limited range of motion.

The Board finds that the Veteran's low back disorder is due to an in-service injury during combat with the enemy, and service connection is granted. The claim for increased evaluation of right knee disability remains pending.

The Board has granted service connection for cervical spondylosis and multi-joint arthritis as secondary to service-connected pulmonary sarcoidosis. Service connection for spinal stenosis is denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for his left knee conditions was denied by the RO, with a final rating of 10 percent assigned.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are of such nature and severity as to preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Veteran's nonservice-connected pension benefits are granted due to his disability determined by the Social Security Administration.