Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Board finds that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for service connection for a lung condition to include pleuritic lung disorder, asthma, and chest pain and trauma. The Veteran's thoracolumbar back disorder is also denied as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that could be related to any of the claimed disabilities.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for painful hip extension prior to October 26, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for chronic lumbosacral strain with mild degenerative arthritis L5/S1 is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his back disability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected osteoarthritis and sclerosis, right sacroiliac joint with scoliosis status post laminectomy is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran is found to be in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, specifically his bilateral knee conditions. The Board grants special monthly compensation based on this finding.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was granted, and he is currently receiving a 10 percent rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of bilateral knees did not manifest during service or for many years thereafter, and is otherwise unrelated to service. As such, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's knee disabilities were rated at 10 percent each before the Veteran underwent total knee replacement surgery in 2013 and 2014 respectively. After the surgeries, his knees are currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and right hip disabilities are at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected right ankle disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's left knee disability did not manifest during or as a result of active military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the current severity of his service-connected right great toe/midfoot degenerative joint disease and the nature and etiology of any left foot disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an SOC on his increased rating claim and a VA examination to determine if he meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an orthopedic examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability is characterized by x-ray evidence of posttraumatic osteoarthritis, and is manifested by painful motion. The RO has granted a 10 percent rating for the service-connected posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the right knee.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected back disability, including ankylosing spondylitis and intervertebral disc syndrome, was granted. A separate disability rating for scar residuals from thoracic spine surgery is also granted. The temporary total disability rating due to surgical treatment on January 13, 2003, is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Veteran does not have a bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, and his additional disabilities combine to at least 60 percent during the appeal period. The claim for service connection for a bone disorder in the hips and back was remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee and foot disorders are not related to his military service, and thus denied these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a Travel Board hearing at the requested location. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral familial hand tremors and right shoulder degenerative arthritis are service-connected as they had their onset during his active duty periods.