Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2014

The Board has remanded the Veteran's case for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for his back disorder and TDIU are also being referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his conditions did not preclude him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment.

The Board found no credible and competent evidence linking the Veteran's bilateral hip degenerative joint disease to her active service or a service-connected disability, thus denying her claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for osteoarthritis of the left knee has been granted, with a 20 percent disability rating effective from May 1, 2014.

The Board determined that the Veteran's left hip disorder is not service connected as secondary to his service-connected total left knee replacement.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral foot disorders are not related to his military service and therefore denies his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder disability and left foot scar have been evaluated, but the evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for his left knee, hip, and back disabilities as secondary to his right knee disability. The Board finds that a remand is necessary to obtain updated medical opinions regarding the relationship between these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee, status post total knee replacement is being remanded due to a lack of a VA examination. The examiner will be asked to determine if the current condition is related to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the right knee was granted with an effective date of March 27, 2004. The original claim was filed in November 1969 when he requested service connection for a pungi stake penetrating injury to his right leg.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee sprain is currently rated at 10 percent, the minimum compensable rating. The VA examiner found no more than minimal degenerative changes and limited range of motion, which does not meet criteria for higher ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left hip disability is not related to his service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his left hip disability is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed bilateral osteoarthritis of the knees and degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) of the right knee were not incurred in or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of an in-service injury to his legs. The VA examiner concluded that it was less likely than not that the Veteran's current leg conditions are causally related to service.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disability is not service connected as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during or within one year after service, and the current condition is not related to active duty service.,Further examination and opinion are needed to determine if the Veteran's gout and any diagnosed foot conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment, and the Board finds that a TDIU is warranted.

The Board has determined that the issues of service connection for a low back disorder and bilateral hip osteoarthritis are inextricably intertwined, necessitating their resolution prior to adjudication. The Veteran's claims will be remanded for further development.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient examination reports and new evidence may be needed for a proper determination of service connection.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for lumbar stenosis with degenerative arthritis and sciatic nerve impairment of the right lower extremity are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disorder, lumbar spine disorder, hemorrhoids, and basal cell carcinoma are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a direct relationship with his military service.