Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied the appellant's request for an increased evaluation of his lower back disability, finding that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 40 percent.

The Veteran's back condition, diagnosed as mild degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and lumbosacral strain, has been rated at 20 percent disabling since January 12, 2009. The rating is based on moderate limitation of motion.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine is found to be secondary to his peripheral neuropathy. From April 29, 2005 to June 30, 2008, he was granted a rating of 10 percent for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected right hand disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation, and his other claims are also denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected left knee strain, finding that his range of motion did not meet the criteria for a separate rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260 or 5261. The Board also found no evidence of instability warranting a separate rating under Diagnostic Code 5257.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his Social Security Administration (SSA) records, which may be relevant to the claim on appeal.

The Veteran's gait apraxia of the bilateral lower extremities is related to his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, and he is granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the increased evaluations for his service-connected osteoarthritis, left and right hips; chondromalacia patella and anterior cruciate ligament deficiency, left knee; and patello-femoral syndrome, right knee; as well as entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine if the Veteran's current lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are related to service. The case is being remanded for further examination and consideration of the evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis with heel spur is not currently manifested by X-ray evidence of degenerative arthritis or moderate foot impairment, thus he is not entitled to a compensable rating.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee, left shoulder, and neck disorders are not related to her military service. The VA examiner concluded these conditions are more likely due to a civilian motor vehicle accident in 2001.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral ankle, knee, low back strain and left sacroiliac joint strain disabilities have been granted initial disability ratings.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been granted increased evaluations, with the effective date being January 22, 2009.

The Board finds that there is no medical evidence linking the Veteran's current left hand disability to his service, and thus denies the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right great toe fracture residuals warrant a 20 percent rating, reflecting moderately severe disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder and bilateral knee disorders are not related to his active duty service, and thus denied both claims.

The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his degenerative disc disease of L4/L5 and degenerative osteoarthritis of lumbar spine, currently evaluated as 40 percent disabling beginning March 11, 2004, was denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board found no evidence of a chronic back disorder in service and denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for tinnitus and increased the rating for right knee disability. The Veteran's tinnitus is found to be related to in-service noise exposure, while his right knee impairment is rated based on limitation of motion.