Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected low back strain and tendonitis of the right foot, as well as his claim for service connection for scars on his right forearm. The RO assigned a noncompensable rating for the veteran's low back disability.

The Board has decided to remand the case for further development, including obtaining VA and private medical records from September 2001 to the present.

The Board has determined that the veteran's claim for service connection for major depression, secondary to his right shoulder injury, requires further development and review. The case is being remanded to determine the extent of any relationship between the veteran's current depression and his service-connected right shoulder injury.

The veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a statement of the case on claims related to PTSD and peripheral neuropathy, as well as clarification regarding his preference for hearing type.

The veteran's flat feet with osteoarthritis are rated at 20 percent since May 13, 2003. His hypertension and DDD of the back remain at 10 percent ratings.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left and right knee disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service, nor may arthritis of the knees be presumed to have been incurred in service. The claim for a low back disorder was denied as new and material evidence had not been submitted sufficient to reopen it.

The Board denied the appellant's claims for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 and for service connection for the cause of the veteran's death, as well as her claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected foot disabilities.

The Board denied the appellant's request to reopen his previously-denied claim of service connection for a back disorder, finding that new and material evidence had not been submitted.

The Board has reopened the claims for low back and left knee disorders, but denied reopening of the right knee disorder. The claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis is also denied.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating for his right tibia and fibula fracture residuals, finding that the disability is primarily manifested by pain, swelling, and limited motion of the ankle. The current evaluation of 20% is considered appropriate given the moderate impairment.

The VA has determined that the veteran's post-operative residuals of a right shoulder injury do not warrant a disability rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Board granted a 20 percent evaluation for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine effective May 8, 1998.

The Board denied service connection for ulcer disease, depression, and osteoarthritis as secondary to the service-connected right total knee replacement. The veteran's claims were not supported by competent evidence of a nexus between his current conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and emphysema, finding that these conditions are related to the veteran's military service.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for residuals of heart bypass surgery, hypertension, and PTSD due to his failure to report for scheduled VA examinations.,The veteran's claims for increased evaluations for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, hemorrhoids, and skin rash were also denied as a result of his failure to appear for the examinations.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for inguinal hernia, back disorder, and left leg disorder as there was no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The veteran's hepatitis C is service-connected, PTSD warrants a 10% evaluation, and the right hand injury with deformity and loss of motion of the index finger, degenerative arthritis of the thumb, carpometacarpal joint, and long finger strain is rated at 40%. The veteran's TDIU claim is held in abeyance.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination to determine the etiology of the veteran's hip disorders and whether they are related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected traumatic degenerative arthritis of the right knee warrants a 10 percent rating, effective August 23, 2001. A separate 10 percent rating for slight lateral instability is also granted.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including cervical spine disorder, voiding dysfunction, gouty and degenerative arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, bilateral hearing loss, right foot disorder, and a low back disorder. The decision also affirmed the denial of service connection for PTSD.