Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2015

Throughout the rating period on appeal, the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left knee has been manifested by cartilage, semilunar, dislocated, with frequent episodes of pain and effusion into the joint. However, 'locking' has not been demonstrated.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for VCAA notice and an addendum VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal was granted, with a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy and an effective date prior to November 1, 2010. Other claims were denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding an increased disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the right hip.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis and residuals of a right knee injury with anterior cruciate ligament and meniscal tears have been granted service connection, but the rating for each condition is limited to 10 percent.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims of entitlement to a compensable evaluation for bilateral hearing loss and entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the right knee. The case is REMANDED for further action.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the right knee has been granted at a 10 percent level, effective August 12, 2011.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a VA social and industrial survey to assess employment capacity and a VA examination by a physiatrist to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate medical opinions and other procedural issues.

The Veteran's left knee disability and epididymitis are service-connected, with a TDIU granted effective December 4, 2009.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was granted service connection, and his left ankle swelling was granted a 40% rating effective January 1, 2007. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right and left knee disabilities meet the criteria for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5258, which allows for dislocation of semilunar cartilage with frequent episodes of joint 'locking,' pain, and effusion. The current 10 percent ratings are therefore increased to 20 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. The issues include reopening service connection claims and seeking higher ratings for various conditions.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional examinations and development of evidence, including obtaining VA outpatient treatment records from November 2014 to present.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examinations and missing medical records. The Veteran's right knee disability claim will be reviewed again after all necessary development is completed.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on an extraschedular basis for his service-connected left knee disabilities are being remanded to the Board for further development, including obtaining additional VA medical records and considering whether an extraschedular rating is warranted.

The Board denied service connection for a back condition in 1988 and again in 1988. The Veteran's claim was reopened in 2011, and he was granted service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis and erectile dysfunction effective January 31, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disorder, osteoarthritis of the right and left first MTP joints are related to service. The issues regarding secondary service connection for these conditions remain under review.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral degenerative arthritis and hallux limitus with bunionette of the feet are attributable to wartime service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right shoulder and back disabilities are related to his in-service motor vehicle accident, resulting in service connection for these conditions.