Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2009

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the right knee is manifested by range of motion from 0 to 90 degrees with pain and mild edema. The Board found no additional limitation due to pain, fatigue, weakness or lack of endurance following repetitive use. A higher rating was not warranted under DeLuca criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not show a verified in-service stressor for PTSD, and there was no indication of exposure to herbicide or asbestos during service.

The Board denied service connection for gastritis, migraines, and degenerative arthritis of the right knee. The Veteran's migraines were presumed to have existed prior to service and were not aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional development and consideration of an earlier effective date for a separate rating for left knee osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patellae. The initial compensable rating issue remains at issue.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board found no evidence linking the veteran's current neck and headache disorders to his service, including a parachute jump injury. The claims for service connection were denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding service connection claims due to exposure to ionizing radiation, including an examination of the Veteran's occupational history and potential exposure.

The Veteran's claim for an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment under the provisions of 38 U.S.C.A. Chapter 39 is being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional orthopedic and neurological examinations.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records from Dr. J.P. and any other relevant treatment or evaluation records.

The Veteran's left knee disability is currently rated as 10 percent for the period from June 27, 2008, forward.,Prior to this date, his degenerative arthritis of the left knee was rated as 10 percent.

The Board has granted a 40 percent initial schedular rating for lumbar spine limitation of motion due to degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the right knee was denied as there is no evidence of instability or impairment to the tibia and fibula, and the current disability is rated under a 'direct' service connection theory.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a bladder disability, bilateral cellulitis, and osteoarthritis as there is no current diagnosis of any of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current disabilities of his right shoulder, groin, testes, or left knee. For the lumbar spine condition, while a current disability is present, there is no evidence to support service connection due to lack of in-service incurrence and insufficient medical nexus evidence.