Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and cannabis dependence (in remission) associated with lumbosacral strain, with degenerative arthritis of the spine and intervertebral disc syndrome was denied as there is no objective evidence that a formal or informal claim seeking this benefit was received by VA prior to November 29, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar disability and its impact on his ability to work. The TDIU claim will be adjudicated in conjunction with the initial rating claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current knee disability is not related to his active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was granted, but the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction and an increased rating for lumbar spine disability remains denied.

The Veteran's right knee and low back disabilities are related to his service-connected left knee, resulting in service connection being granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left lower extremity osteoarthritis and other joint conditions, have resulted in significant impairment that affects his ability to locomote without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. The Board finds the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether he meets the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not service-connected as it did not manifest during service and there is no evidence of a direct connection to his service-connected right knee or low back disabilities. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's knee and back disorders are being remanded for further examination and development. The Board will consider the merits of his claims after obtaining necessary records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for direct service connection due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including colitis, thoracic scoliosis, low back pain, polyarthritis of bilateral elbows and knees (claimed as rheumatoid arthritis), nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), a disability manifested by loss of balance, difficulty walking, standing, sitting, dehydration, suppressed immune system, and extreme fatigue due to Remicade infusion, pancreatitis, and restless leg syndrome. The effective date for these service connection decisions is not specified.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability. However, the evidence does not establish a link between the current right knee disability and service.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability was rated at 10 percent from September 11, 2009 to July 20, 2011 and at 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher initial rating for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and SSA records.

The Veteran's appeal is mixed, with some issues granted and others denied. The Veteran has a higher rating for left knee osteoarthritis status post lateral meniscectomy but not for his hip strain. He also received a separate rating for dislocated semilunar cartilage from December 14, 2009 through January 15, 2014. However, he was denied higher ratings for left knee status post total arthroplasty.

The Veteran's current right hip osteoarthritis is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected left ruptured Achilles' tendon, and the Board grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates have been denied as the earliest date of receipt of a claim is not prior to the assigned effective dates.

The Veteran's left foot callus with degenerative arthritis has been granted an initial 10 percent evaluation, effective from the date of the decision.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disorder, including arthritis and sarcoidosis, is not service connected as it did not manifest during or within one year after his military service.

The Veteran's PTSD with secondary major depressive disorder is rated at 70% since April 13, 2015.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is rated at 20% since February 20, 2015.,The Veteran's IBS is rated at 30% since February 20, 2015.,The Veteran's hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet remains rated at 10%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right knee disability aggravated his diagnosed back and right hip conditions, warranting service connection for these disabilities.,The evidence is in equipoise regarding whether the Veteran's altered gait due to his right knee condition caused or aggravated his right hip osteoarthritis.