Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left shoulder, finding that it was not caused or aggravated by her service-connected knee condition and there is no persuasive medical evidence showing its onset during or shortly after service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 20 percent for service-connected cervical strain with degenerative arthritis and disc disease, finding that the evidence does not support an increase in rating.

The Board has granted service connection for a recurrent lumbar spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current condition started in service and has continued since then. The decision is based on the Veteran's lay statements of symptoms from active duty.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for hearing loss and lumbar disorder, back pain, degenerative arthritis due to new evidence of worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's residuals of fractured coccyx (claimed as back injury) were caused by a parachuting injury during active-duty service and granted service connection.,Obstructive sleep apnea was first diagnosed during active-duty service, and the Veteran is granted service connection for this condition. The initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right knee remains pending as remanded.

The Board has found the VA examinations inadequate and remanded for further development, including scheduling new examinations to address service connection claims for various foot, ankle, knee, and back disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot disability, including hammertoes, hallux valgus, and degenerative arthritis of the MTP joint, is etiologically related to service. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's TDIU claim has been granted, effective February 18, 2013. He is now receiving SMC at the housebound rate, effective October 16, 2013.,Service connection for left ear hearing loss and a respiratory disability (to include COPD) to be further evaluated due to insufficient evidence in previous VA examinations.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted, as it meets the criteria for service connection based on a direct link between the current disability and an in-service injury.

The Board has dismissed the claims for service connection due to a full grant of benefits, and no case or controversy remains.

The Veteran's right and left knee disorders were denied as the evidence did not show that they warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee conditions do not allow him to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has granted service connection for a back disability and bilateral lower extremity sciatica, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted service connection for a neck disability, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, disc disease and spinal stenosis, finding that the Veteran's current symptoms began during his military service.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional examinations to assess the severity of the Veteran's service-connected left knee and spine disabilities, as the previous VA examinations did not adequately address these issues.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected right knee and low back disabilities, as well as his ability to perform occupational tasks due to these conditions. The TDIU case is also being remanded.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine and left knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development.,Specifically, more information is needed regarding functional loss during flare-ups and the application of the revised criteria for evaluating knee instability under Diagnostic Code 5257.

The Veteran's right wrist disability, which includes degenerative arthritis post-radial styloidectomy, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board denied an increased rating for the condition as there was no evidence of limitation of motion or ankylosis warranting a higher rating.

The Board has remanded the claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability, including as secondary to degenerative arthritis of the spine associated with residuals of left ankle fracture. The case is being sent back for further development and an examination.

The Board has remanded the issues of entitlement to service connection for hypertension, sleep apnea, and Type II diabetes mellitus as secondary to service-connected osteoarthritis of the right hip.,These cases are being returned to VA for further development and consideration.