Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2010

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, claimed as lumbosacral strain, and his degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine are at least as likely as not attributable to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder, left knee, and coccyx disabilities have been rated as appropriate based on their current functional limitations. The appeals for higher ratings are denied.

The Veteran's service-connected knee and shoulder disabilities have been evaluated, but none of the claims for increased ratings are granted.

The Veteran's residuals of frostbite in both feet are rated at 30 percent each, the maximum allowable under VA rating criteria.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied across multiple conditions, with the exception of a claim to reopen due to new and material evidence.

The Veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine osteoarthritis, with the appeal covering both initial evaluations and subsequent increases.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development due to failure to provide proper VCAA notice.

The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities is proximately caused by his service-connected DM, Type II. Service connection for a low back disorder and increased evaluations for hammer toes are granted.

The Veteran seeks service connection for disorders of the knees, legs, and hips as secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The Board is remanding the case to obtain a VA medical examination to determine if any diagnosed lower extremity arthritic conditions were caused or aggravated by his service-connected lumbosacral strain.

The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities was granted, with the cervical spine receiving a 20 percent rating effective June 1, 2007.

The Veteran's right knee disability is rated at 10 percent for instability and arthritis, while his left knee disability is rated at 10 percent for arthritis. Both disabilities are not shown to warrant a higher rating.

The Veteran's low back disability, characterized by chronic pain and radiculopathy, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 20 percent.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disability and denied an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the left knee. The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent.

The Board has denied the appellant's claims for DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318 and service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that the Veteran did not meet any of the criteria in the applicable statute and regulation at the time of his death.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the relationship between his service-connected right foot fracture residuals and his claimed disabilities of the feet, knees, hips, and lumbar spine.