Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a 20 percent rating effective from January 14, 2013. The neurological manifestations of the service-connected lumbar spine disability were also granted a separate compensable rating.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a respiratory disability and for an increased rating for right knee disability are being remanded due to the inadequacy of the VA examination and the need for additional evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for a left thigh strain, right hip osteoarthritis, and a neck disorder. The Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service.

The Veteran's arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, did not have its clinical onset during a period of active service and is not otherwise related to active duty service.,The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities, specifically carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), did not have its clinical onset during a period of active service and is not otherwise related to active duty.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from being able to avoid the hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment without assistance, warranting special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a new VA examination to address the issue of secondary service connection for his right knee osteoarthritis, as well as whether it has been aggravated by his left hip condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted entitlement to a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an effective date were denied. The Board found that new evidence was not received to reopen his right wrist disorder claim, and the service-connected conditions of the knee did not meet the criteria for higher ratings or separate effective dates.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining all records associated with his total left knee arthroplasty and applying the appropriate rating criteria.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder is not causally or etiologically related to his period of active service, and denied the claim.

The Board has found that the Veteran's current left shoulder disability of osteoarthritis is presumed to have arisen from his in-service injury, and service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability warrants a rating of 60 percent effective April 16, 2015.

The Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis is found to have started during service and continues today, granting service connection.

The Board has now granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis. The Veteran's back disability is being remanded to determine if it is secondary to or aggravated by his right knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right ankle, but denied service connection for a left hand disability.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis and hypertension, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his active duty service. The effective date is not specified as it was within one year of separation.

The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis, cervical spine disability, left knee mild degenerative changes, and right knee chondromalacia have resulted in a TDIU effective June 2, 2009. The RO reduced the rating for his thoracic spine disability from 40 percent to 10 percent effective January 20, 2010, but this reduction was not proper.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional evidence and examination related to his right ankle disability.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the right and left shoulders, finding that these conditions are related to in-service treatment.

The Veteran's initial rating for right ankle osteoarthritis was denied, but he was granted service connection for basal cell carcinoma. The decision is mixed as it addressed both issues.