Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The veteran's claim for increased ratings for traumatic osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine is being remanded due to changes in rating criteria and additional evidence.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the veteran's right shoulder disorder is related to his active service, and a new examination and opinion are needed.

The case is being remanded for additional VA treatment records, a neurology evaluation, and consideration of amended rating criteria.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development to determine if the veteran's right hip disorder is related to her service or any service-connected conditions.

The veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The RO granted a 60% rating for her postoperative status, burst fracture L-1 vertebra from February 12, 2002.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current bilateral hearing loss is service-connected, but his left ankle disability is not. The decision denies both claims.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claims for service connection have been withdrawn, and his claim for hypertension was denied as new and material evidence was not received. The low back disability claim is also denied.

The veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities, as well as his left median carpal tunnel syndrome (minor), were rated based on their current manifestations. The RO granted increased ratings for the knees but denied an increase in rating for the carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Board found that the veteran's bilateral hip and knee disabilities are not related to his military service, including the shell fragment wound he sustained in April 1970. Degenerative joint disease of the hips was not diagnosed within one year of his discharge. The claim for increased rating for PTSD was granted.

The veteran's right knee strain is rated at 10 percent due to degenerative arthritis, and his service-connected left knee disability does not warrant a higher rating. The claims for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus are denied as there is no evidence of current disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to medical controversies regarding the presence and etiology of arthritis in both hips, as well as clarification on whether a current gastrointestinal disorder exists.

The veteran's right knee disorder, post arthrotomy with degenerative arthritis, is currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on pain, subluxation, lateral instability, or limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected myalgia of the right trapezius muscles with cervical spondylosis warrants a 20 percent rating since April 6, 2000.

The Board denied the veteran's request to reopen his claim of service connection for low back disability, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims of service connection for residuals of pneumonia, a lumbar spine disorder, bilateral avascular necrosis of the hips, and cardiovascular disease. The Board found no evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to ensure compliance with the Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 (VCAA) and other applicable laws, regulations, and VA guidance. The claims are being remanded for further action.

The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his right knee disorder with osteoarthritis is being remanded due to the need for a new VA orthopedic examination and consideration of whether a separate evaluation based on residuals of removal of the lateral meniscus should be granted.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee instability warrants a rating of 20 percent, but his degenerative arthritis does not warrant an increased rating.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the veteran's service-connected left knee disorder, which includes arthritis with limitation of motion and instability.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development of the evidence, including VA examinations to address service connection and employment issues.