Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2008

The appeal is remanded to obtain additional evidence and schedule a VA examination.

The Board finds that there is an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence as to whether the veteran's left shoulder impingement syndrome with osteoarthritis is related to service. Resolving doubt in the veteran's favor, service connection for left shoulder impingement syndrome with severe osteoarthritis is granted.

The Board granted service connection for a low back disability, currently diagnosed as degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, finding that it was aggravated during active duty and training.

The veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with degenerative arthritis has been rated at 50 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for this condition.

The veteran withdrew his appeal for all issues, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to decide these benefits.

The veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was rated as 10 percent disabling, while his degenerative arthritis with medial epicondylitis of the right elbow did not meet criteria for a compensable evaluation.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and consideration of the veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the claimed disability manifested by hand tremors.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for restoration of a 30 percent rating and an increased evaluation for his left shoulder disability, as well as an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board found that the preponderance of the evidence does not support a connection between the veteran's post-operative residuals of cervical degenerative arthritis and his active service or any service-connected disability.

The veteran's hypertension does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The appeal is remanded to the RO for further development and adjudication of the veteran's claims.

The case is remanded to the RO for scheduling of a hearing due to the veteran's request.

The Board denied service connection for coronary artery disease, hypertension, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine as there is no competent medical evidence linking these conditions to active military service.