Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left knee with subsequent total knee replacement, finding that it was effectively granted in a March 1994 decision. The issue of an increased rating for chondromalacia of the left knee remains pending.

The Board found that the claimed disabilities, including diabetes mellitus, back conditions, groin injury residuals, right hip disability, and schizophrenia, were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may they be presumed to have been incurred as a result of service exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no disability rating or effective date is assigned.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right inguinal hernia and right hand osteoarthritis, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional limitations or pain. The Veteran's right foot disability was not service-connected.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral knee disorder. The Veteran's right (major) fifth finger fracture residuals have not met the criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's initial disability ratings for his thoracolumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities were increased, with the thoracolumbar spine rating being increased to 40 percent effective August 10, 2004.

The Board has granted service connection for chondromalacia with osteoarthritis of the left knee and a rating in excess of 20 percent for chondromalacia patella of the right knee.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his thoracic and lumbar spine disability was granted, with an initial 20 percent rating effective June 18, 2005. The current range of motion findings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Board has determined that the appellant did not have any injuries to his right shoulder or right knee during periods of active duty, ACDUTRA, or INACDUTRA service. Therefore, service connection for these conditions is denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected osteoarthritis of the left hip and residuals of medial and lateral menisectomies of the left knee were denied as there is no evidence showing that either condition warrants a rating in excess of the current assigned ratings.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for her service-connected low back disability is granted, with a rating of 10 percent prior to March 15, 2006 and 40 percent since that date.

The Veteran's service connection claims for early degenerative arthritis of the left hip and bilateral knee disorder (joint pain) are denied as they do not meet the criteria for establishing service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy and a skin disease, were denied as secondary to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disorder was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 40 percent, as there were no findings of incapacitating episodes or ankylosis.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including a medical opinion by a VA orthopedic specialist regarding his service-connected left knee and right hip disabilities. The claims will be adjudicated again once this development is completed.

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated at 10 percent, and his T-9 compression fracture does not warrant an extraschedular evaluation.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a verified in-service stressor for PTSD, and there was no indication of exposure to herbicide or asbestos during service.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the right knee is manifested by range of motion from 0 to 90 degrees with pain and mild edema. The Board found no additional limitation due to pain, fatigue, weakness or lack of endurance following repetitive use. A higher rating was not warranted under DeLuca criteria.

The Board denied service connection for gastritis, migraines, and degenerative arthritis of the right knee. The Veteran's migraines were presumed to have existed prior to service and were not aggravated by service.