Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's claim for service connection for allergies and an increased rating for his right shoulder disability was denied. The Board found that there is no current evidence of a diagnosed allergy, and the Veteran's right shoulder disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings based on limitation of motion.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to determine the nature and etiology of any current knee disabilities, including whether they are related to service. The Veteran's claims for service connection will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for service-connected right little finger loss of motion and osteoarthritis status post right hand burn injury was denied as the Veteran failed to report for a VA examination without good cause.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral knee disabilities were denied. The knees are rated based on limitation of motion and the presence of pain.

The Veteran's left hip disability, including snapping iliotibial band syndrome and degenerative arthritis, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board finds that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of the condition.

The Veteran's PTSD claim is granted, and he is service-connected for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to clarify the nature and etiology of his current right knee disabilities, including whether they are related to service.

The Veteran's knee disabilities have been rated at 10 percent for each knee since April 2009. The August 2015 examination revealed additional limitation of extension in the right knee, warranting a separate 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as the appellant has withdrawn their appeal.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on all issues has been dismissed due to the withdrawal of the substantive appeal regarding bilateral knee osteoarthritis. The remaining claims have not met the criteria for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his claim for hyperlipidemia. The remaining conditions include an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD and anxiety disorders), bilateral knee osteoarthritis, hearing loss of the left ear, sleep apnea, hypertension, a low back disorder, bilateral hip osteoarthritis, tinnitus of the right ear, folliculitis, resection of left eye pterygium with residual faint nasal conjunctival scar, recurrent nasal pterygium of the right eye, and TDIU. The Veteran's hyperlipidemia claim is pending.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current condition of swollen feet, diagnosed as osteoarthritis of the feet and ankles, is not related to his active service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran has a chronic disability manifested by swollen feet that had an onset in active service or is otherwise related to active service.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current right elbow disability, including whether it is related to service or ACDUTRA. The examiner should also consider aggravation by service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for chondromalacia of the left patella with osteoarthritis is being remanded due to incomplete examination report and need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee strain was denied. However, he received a separate compensable rating of 10% for degenerative arthritis prior to January 11, 2008.

The Veteran's osteoporosis of the right wrist is rated at 10 percent, and no new issues related to service connection or exposure have been raised.

The Veteran is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities, particularly his back issues.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability has been rated at 10 percent, and the claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a hearing at a local VA office or by videoconference, depending on availability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and thus the case is dismissed.