Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2009

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to his service, including as due to injury therein. Service connection for a low back disability is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's right calcaneocuboid subluxation with traumatic arthritis was granted a rating of 30 percent effective from May 9, 2006. Prior to that date, the condition had been rated at 20 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, finding that there was no evidence of current disabilities or residuals from injuries sustained during his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for hiatal hernia, postoperative residuals of cervical fusion, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and hemorrhoids. The evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for effective dates earlier than June 9, 1999 for service connection of his bilateral knee disabilities and denied his requests for higher initial ratings.

The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's current back and neck disabilities are related to his service, specifically the in-service injuries.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected right hip, left hip, and knee disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability evaluations.

The Veteran's PTSD symptoms have caused occupational and social impairment, with deficiencies in most areas such as work, school, family relations, judgment, thinking, or mood. The Board has granted a 70 percent disability rating for PTSD.

The Veteran's left total knee replacement has been rated at 30 percent since April 1, 2007. The Board has granted a higher rating of 60 percent for the period from February 3, 2006 to present.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by chronic pain and limited range of motion, has not met the criteria for a higher rating. A separate compensable rating is granted for arthritis.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to assess the current severity of his right knee and lumbar spine disorders.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee condition does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent, and his left knee condition does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unemployable, considering his educational and occupational background.

The Veteran's right ankle osteoarthritis with nonunion of the talus was initially granted a 10% disability rating prior to April 15, 2009. From April 15, 2009, he is now rated at 20%. The maximum schedular rating under Diagnostic Code 5271 for marked limitation of ankle motion has been assigned.