Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2004

The Board denied secondary service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right shoulder, finding that it is not proximately due to or the result of a service-connected disability. The issue of an increased rating for residuals of a gunshot wound to the right posterior chest was also addressed.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected disabilities, including low back pain with degenerative arthritis, arthritis of the right knee, medial collateral ligament strain of the left knee, residuals of resection of the left clavicle, residuals of a left lung resection with history of sarcoidosis, duodenal ulcer, and hemorrhoids.

The veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected condition, and the evidence does not show that a service-connected disability contributed substantially or materially to his death.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the hands and increased ratings for hypertension and tinnitus. The decision also noted that the veteran was receiving the maximum schedular evaluation for his tinnitus.

The Board found that the veteran's current low back disorders are not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's current neck disorder, including degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, began many years after service and was not caused by any incident of service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for residuals of a neck injury is denied.

The veteran's low back syndrome, with degenerative arthritis and disc disease, is currently rated at 40 percent. The rating for left elbow bursitis remains noncompensable.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed, including obtaining medical records and conducting a VA examination to assess the current severity of the veteran's right knee disability. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine is a residual of an in-service low back strain, and therefore grants service connection for this condition.

The Board found that a chronic acquired right knee disorder was not incurred in or aggravated during active service and cannot be presumed for osteoarthritis. The claim is therefore denied.

The Board denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected Muscle Group XVII injury, residuals of a shell fragment wound, right buttock. The claim for secondary service connection for osteoarthritis, right hip, was remanded to the RO.

The Board has determined that further action is required to comply with the VA's duty to assist in the development of the veteran's claim, including obtaining an examination and opinion addressing his contentions regarding his back disability.

The Board is remanding the case for further development, including obtaining VA and non-VA healthcare records, ensuring VCAA compliance, and arranging for a VA genitourinary examination.

The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection of hypertension, osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, and brain disease due to trauma. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Board has determined that the veteran's current degenerative lumbosacral disease is likely caused by his service-connected left knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.