Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the left hip did not meet the criteria for a compensable rating prior to October 18, 2013 and was rated as noncompensable. For the period beginning October 18, 2013, the disability is rated as 10 percent disabling.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal for the issues of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include depression, and bilateral pes planus; and a rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected right ankle osteoarthritis.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his disabilities has been established, allowing him to receive special monthly pension.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain updated examinations, additional records, and address the issue of TDIU. The case will be reviewed on an extra-schedular basis if warranted.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a recurrent lumbar spine disorder, basic eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adaptive housing and basic eligibility for assistance in acquiring a special home adaptation grant to the RO for additional action.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various conditions, including his lumbar and cervical spine conditions, knee disorders, foot disorder, migraines, PTSD, psychiatric disorders, shoulder disorders, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory problems, chest tightness, and chronic fatigue. The appeals were not granted as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under applicable rating schedules.

The Board has determined that the case should be remanded for an addendum medical opinion regarding the Veteran's scoliosis and its relationship to service, as well as whether his current back disability is aggravated by a service-connected right knee disability.

The Board finds that there is no medical evidence indicating that the Veteran's right or left knee disabilities are proximately due to, the result of, or aggravated by a service-connected disability. Therefore, the claims for service connection for these conditions have been denied.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The conditions claimed, including tinea pedis with folliculitis and bilateral pes planus, were not found to warrant higher initial disability ratings.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot disability, including osteoarthritis, hallux valgus, and hallux rigidus, warrants a 30 percent initial disability rating since April 1, 2009. Additionally, a separate 10 percent rating is granted for the residual scar from her bunionectomy.

The Veteran's back disability and lower extremity radiculopathy were granted initial ratings of 10 percent for the period from April 22, 2009 to December 6, 2012. Effective December 6, 2012, a higher rating of 20 percent was assigned for the back disability and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy.