Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral foot condition, characterized by pain, tenderness, and restricted range of motion with X-ray evidence of osteoarthritis and brachymetasalia, warrants a rating of 20 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's application for a clothing allowance was not reviewed by the Under Secretary for Health or a designee, and thus the claim is being remanded to ensure proper review.

The Veteran's degenerative disk disease with degenerative arthritis of the lower lumbar spine was rated at 20 percent prior to March 1, 2003. The claim for a higher initial rating is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left thumb fracture with osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right hip and right knee disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show that either condition warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Veteran's left foot hallux valgus, status post bunionectomy, is rated as 20 percent disabling due to chronic pain and stiffness that limits his ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods.

The Board has determined that a 10 percent rating, but no higher, is warranted for bilateral degenerative arthritis of the knees.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, previously rated as 10 percent for fracture with degenerative arthritis, is now rated at 10 percent effective August 10, 2014.

The Veteran's right knee meniscectomy and osteoarthritis have been granted service connection, with a current rating of 10 percent for each condition.

The Veteran's low back disability, including radiculopathy of the lower extremities, does not meet the criteria for a higher rating from May 11, 2004 to September 13, 2005 and from September 14, 2005 forward. The erectile dysfunction is service-connected as secondary to his low back disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left ankle disorder is not related to his military service, and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to his death, and no service connection decisions were made.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the severity of his right knee, lumbar spine, and post umbilical hernia scar disabilities. The TDIU issue is also inextricably intertwined with the rating issues.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for PTSD with anxiety disorder, lumbar spine osteoarthritis, and right lower extremity sciatica were denied. The appeal is not about service connection at all.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and arranging for an examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues include evaluations for circadian rhythm sleep disorder, right ankle osteoarthritis, and a right ankle scar.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination for PTSD. The RO will also provide an SOC regarding his other claims.

The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of a contemporaneous VA medical examination, and the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his hip disabilities are pending.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including consideration of whether new and material evidence has been received to reopen a claim of service connection for depression. The TDIU issue remains pending.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities, including left middle ear cholesteatoma and various hand and wrist conditions. The effective dates are not specified.