Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities were rated at 20 percent for the lumbar spine and an initial rating of 20 percent was granted for the cervical spine, effective June 5, 2008 and January 4, 2008 respectively.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for osteoarthritis of both knees and laxity, right knee, as the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current severity of these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's multiple claimed disabilities were not the proximate result of active duty and were, in fact, due to his own misconduct.

The appeal was remanded to schedule the veteran for a hearing before a Veterans Law Judge at the RO.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for upper and lower back strain, as the current spinal disorders were not likely related to the injury in service but rather to the degenerative process of aging and to an inability to exercise secondary to partial left-sided paralysis caused by a gunshot wound to the head after military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings.

The veteran's lumbar spine disability is not entitled to an evaluation in excess of 40 percent, and the left knee disability is not entitled to an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development of evidence related to the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis, left hip, with aseptic necrosis of the femur head.

The Board denied a claim for higher ratings, finding that the Veteran's post-operative fusion at C5-6 with arthritis and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with left L2-4 radiculopathy did not warrant an evaluation higher than 40 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected right peroneal neuropathy was rated at 40 percent, and he was granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis as secondary to the right peroneal neuropathy.

The Board denied an increased rating for right ankle osteoarthritis and left knee osteoarthritis with medial joint space narrowing, as the evidence did not support a higher disability rating.

The Board denied the application to reopen a claim for service connection for a lumbar spine disability, as new and material evidence was not received.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and adjudication of the issues on appeal.

The veteran's lumbar and right ankle disabilities were granted increased ratings, while the cervical spine disability was denied an increase. Service connection for a left foot/ankle disorder as secondary to service-connected residuals of fracture of the right distal tibia and right fifth toe was established.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not warrant increased ratings for any of the periods under consideration.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the residuals of a left humerus fracture (minor) with degenerative arthritis, as there was no evidence of limitation of motion to shoulder level or nonunion or malunion of the joint.

The case is remanded to obtain additional evidence relevant to the Veteran's claims for service connection, including a new VA examination.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for PTSD and a low back disability, but denied service connection for disabilities of the cervical and thoracic spine.

The Board remanded the case to the RO for additional development of the record.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and instability do not meet the criteria for ratings in excess of 10 percent and 20 percent, respectively.