Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is denied as there is no evidence of a nexus between his active duty service and the current condition, nor does it meet the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service as a paratrooper.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to determine the etiology of the Veteran's low back, right knee, neck, and right hand disabilities. This includes considering whether these conditions were aggravated by active duty service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for joint and/or muscle problems, hypertension, duodenal ulcer disability, and left foot disability due to a lack of evidence supporting these conditions during or approximate to the pendency of the claim.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine, right knee, and left knee disabilities due to insufficient evidence. The hearing on his bilateral hearing loss claim is also remanded.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities are granted as service-connected, with a combined rating of 60% effective March 30, 2017. The TDIU claim prior to January 24, 2011 is denied.

The Veteran's other specified trauma and stressor related disorder is granted a 50 percent rating, but no higher. The ratings for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and left lower extremity (LLE) sciatica are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 30 percent, and she is granted a TDIU based on her service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for right shoulder osteoarthritis, finding that symptoms have been continuous since separation from service and consistent with his in-service injury.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher initial rating for left inguinal hernia and cervical strain with degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for lumbar spine disability, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, PTSD, and TDIU due to incomplete development of evidence and need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left foot conditions (pes planus, plantar fasciitis, hammertoe, and degenerative arthritis) on a direct basis. The Board also granted service connection for bilateral hip conditions (coxa magna and osteoarthritis) on a secondary basis due to the Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's service-connected musculoskeletal disabilities, including right hip posttraumatic osteoarthritis and right shoulder limitation of flexion, have rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for a right knee disorder and remanded it for further development. The Veteran's hearing loss disability is also being remanded for an examination to determine its current severity.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for a VA examination and medical opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's right knee disability, which may be related to service or his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates of November 7, 2002 for service-connected spondylolisthesis and radiculopathy are granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine osteoarthritis is currently rated at 20 percent, effective September 15, 2015. The Board found that the disability picture more nearly approximated forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, warranting a 20 percent rating. A higher rating is denied for any period prior to September 15, 2015 and after January 28, 2020.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition had its onset during a qualifying period of active service.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent, and higher ratings are not warranted.,The Veteran's left foot disability with massive tissue loss, severed heel pad and recurrent dislocated metatarsal joint has a combined rating in excess of 40 percent for disabilities below the knee, precluding any additional rating.

The Board has remanded the claims for increased ratings for left and right knee conditions, as well as for right hip arthritis. The Veteran is also being asked to provide any relevant private treatment records.