Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the veteran's residuals of a fractured left ankle with non-union of the fibula and degenerative arthritis have been predominantly manifested by left ankle dorsiflexion to 0 degrees and plantar flexion to 40 degrees, slight swelling, pain on motion, pain on palpation, tenderness, some instability, weakness, and additional limitation of motion on repetitive use and with flare-ups. For the periods from August 8, 2001, to November 29, 2001, and commencing January 1, 2002, a 30 percent rating is granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current low back disability, specifically degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, was incurred during active service.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disability, including spinal fusion and lumbar area with osteoarthritis, was not incurred in active service.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and kidney stones, finding no evidence linking these conditions to active service.

The veteran's right fifth metacarpal and right knee arthritis have been granted initial ratings of noncompensable. However, the right knee arthritis has now been rated at 10 percent.

The veteran's right knee disability, including partial medial meniscectomy and degenerative arthritis, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.

The Board found that the veteran's service-connected disabilities did not cause or contribute substantially to his death from intracerebral hemorrhage.

The Board denied service connection for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine and headaches, finding that they were not related to service-connected myositis. The veteran's myositis was granted a 10% evaluation.

The Board has reopened the previously denied claim of service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine due to new and material evidence being submitted. The claim is now considered on its merits.

The Board has granted a 30 percent evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the left knee, status post meniscectomy with removal of loose body times two. The claim for an increased evaluation for laxity of the left knee is denied as it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the right knee is also denied.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the left knee and a 20 percent rating for osteoarthritis of the left ankle, residuals of a simple fracture of the shaft of the left fibula.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for service connection of osteoarthritis of multiple joints, and the case is dismissed.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling an orthopedic examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical evidence regarding the etiology of the veteran's left foot disorders, and a new VA examination is required.

The veteran's current right thumb condition, including arthritis and post-operative residuals, is determined to be related to a fracture of the right thumb incurred during service.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left hip, leg, and foot as secondary to his service-connected residuals of gunshot wound to the left thigh. The evidence did not show that the arthritis had its onset during active military service or was manifested within one year after separation from service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claimed conditions are not related to his military service and therefore, denied his claims for service connection.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right ankle, knee, and hip disabilities have been denied as the evidence does not show that any of these conditions warrant a rating higher than the current assigned disability ratings.

The veteran's hypertension and osteoarthritis of the hands were not shown to be related to his military service, leading to a denial of both claims.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded to the RO for scheduling a travel board hearing. The issues of rating his low back pain, right knee condition, and left knee condition are pending.