Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus disability is rated at 20 percent, and his osteoarthritis of the right hand is rated at 10 percent. The appeal for a higher rating for diabetes mellitus was denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective March 19, 2013. The increased evaluation was granted as the evidence showed that prior to this date, the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeal for the claims related to osteoarthritis of the right ankle with tendinitis status post arthroscopy, degenerative arthritis of the left knee, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, osteoarthritis and bursitis of the right hip, and plantar fasciitis of the right foot, with plantar and Achilles bone spurs and degenerative changes.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and occupational experience from September 22, 2011.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current osteoarthritis of the right ankle is related to his in-service injuries, and thus service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further action, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining additional medical records. The AOJ will then determine if an increased rating in excess of 30 percent should be granted for his right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to the Director of Compensation Service for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU rating due to service-connected disabilities. The case will be returned to the Board if a decision on this issue is not made.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected left foot disorder is being remanded due to inadequate development of the record and need for a new examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for his low back condition, right knee condition, and right elbow condition. The VA examiners have provided opinions supporting these claims based on the Veteran's military occupation as a cook.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus with hallux valgus and bunions was granted an initial 10 percent rating effective August 11, 2010. From February 28, 2013, his right foot disability was rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral hallux valgus may be service-connected, but further development is needed to address her claim for residuals of bilateral foot sprains.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current upper and lower extremity disorders, including osteoarthritis of the hands and feet, are not related to service, specifically exposure to cold weather. The evidence does not support a finding of chronic symptoms during or immediately following service, nor do they manifest within one year post-service separation.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to a lack of recent VA examination and updated treatment records.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, a right foot disorder (claimed as arthritis of the right great toe), and hypertension. The evidence does not establish that these conditions are related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral pes planus. The right knee disorder, ingrown toenails of the right foot and fungal infection of the right toenail, ingrown toenails of the left foot and fungal infection of the left toenail, and a left foot disorder are all being addressed in this decision.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a left arm scar and a respiratory disorder are granted. The claim for residuals of a left elbow injury is remanded.

The Board has decided the case requires additional development due to insufficient medical opinions regarding whether the Veteran's right knee disability is related to service. The claim will be returned for further examination and opinion.

The Veteran's Hepatitis C has been evaluated as 10 percent disabling throughout the appeal period, with symptoms of intermittent fatigue, malaise, and anorexia.

The Veteran's current right shoulder disability, including degenerative joint disease and osteoarthritis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board finds that the Veteran's current condition is more likely related to post-service occupational exposure rather than his military service.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left shoulder disability is proximately due to or the result of his service-connected left knee disability. The claim for temporary total disability benefits based on left knee surgery necessitating convalescence under 38 C.F.R. § 4.30 is remanded.