Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis is granted service connection. An initial 20 percent rating is granted for residuals of a testicle injury beginning May 13, 2014. The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities and bilateral shoulder injuries are remanded for additional examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and readjudication of the Veteran's claims, including a review of recent VA examination reports and consideration of any outstanding VA treatment records. The issues will be reconsidered with respect to the evaluation of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and his entitlement to TDIU.

The Veteran's left shoulder disorder is found to be incurred during service, and he is granted service connection for a disorder of the left shoulder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular rating requirement for assignment of a TDIU and he is reasonably shown to be unable to secure or follow a substantial gainful occupation as a result of these disabilities. The claim for increase in left shoulder disability remains pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current cervical spine disability that is at least as likely as not causally or etiologically related to his active service, including head trauma. The VA examiner's opinion was against a causal relationship between the in-service injuries and the current cervical spine disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current knee disabilities are not related to his service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of the record, including scheduling VA examinations to evaluate his claimed disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a medical opinion regarding the combined effects of the Veteran's service-connected disabilities on his employability. The TDIU claim will be readjudicated based on all evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral ankle disability is caused by his service-connected bilateral pes planus, and therefore grants service connection for this condition on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance is granted effective October 28, 2009. The evidence shows that the Veteran required regular aid and attendance due to multiple disabling conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development and consideration of new evidence. The claims for an extraschedular disability rating in excess of 20 percent for left shoulder osteoarthritis with biceps tendonitis, and entitlement to a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) are pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to insufficient VA examination opinions and incomplete medical records. The case will be returned to the RO or AMC for further adjudication.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU were denied. The effective date of Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) eligibility was not granted earlier than June 3, 2015.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral knee degenerative arthritis are being remanded to allow for additional development, including a VA examination and consideration of all submitted evidence.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on the merits of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis of the back and left hip has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, with intervertebral disc syndrome is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and chronic lumbar strain with left lumbar radiculopathy are causally related to his service-connected left knee, foot, and ankle disabilities. As such, these conditions have been granted as secondary to those service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right shoulder disability did not manifest in service or within one year following his separation from service, and is not otherwise etiologically related to service or secondary to a service-connected disability.

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

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records from Social Security Administration (SSA) and additional development is needed.