Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's low back disability and radiculopathy of the lower extremities have been rated based on their current manifestations, with no additional staged ratings granted.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) beginning October 20, 2014 is denied as there are no allegations or evidence of unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to evaluate the severity of her right foot and ankle disabilities. The case will also be reviewed to determine if she meets the threshold criteria for a TDIU or if it should be submitted to the Director of Compensation Service under 38 C.F.R. � 4.16(b).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee degenerative arthritis was permanently worsened by an injury sustained during INACDUTRA in December 2004, and thus service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his claims, including obtaining VA and SSA records, conducting examinations, and reviewing the medical evidence.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is related to his military service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has remanded the case for further consideration of whether extraschedular evaluations are warranted for the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the left and right wrists, considering the entire period of appeal.

The Veteran's right wrist disorder is presumed to have been incurred in service as it existed prior to service and was not aggravated by service.,There is no current diagnosis of a deviated nasal septum or chronic allergies.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his right hand bony deformity and left and right carpal tunnel syndrome was denied. The Veteran is currently in receipt of the maximum rating under Diagnostic Code 5230.

The Veteran's service connection claim for degenerative arthritis of the left hand is granted. However, his claims for arthritis of multiple joints other than the left hand are not supported by evidence showing a direct relationship to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back and right knee disabilities are proximately due to or caused by her service-connected bilateral pes planus.

The Veteran is granted an annual clothing allowance for the year 2013 due to service-connected disabilities resulting in the need for back and knee braces that cause wear and tear on his outer garments.

The Veteran's right knee disability, prior to February 18, 2009, was manifested by x-ray evidence of arthritis and limitation of flexion. The preponderance of the evidence is against a finding of instability or recurrent subluxation.

The Board has granted service connection for a ventral hernia. The remaining claim of service connection for left shoulder disability is being remanded to the AOJ.

The Veteran's low back disability was granted service connection and rated at a 10 percent rating prior to February 2, 2016.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar osteoarthritis and irritable bowel syndrome have been reopened, but the claims are not granted. The effective date of any future grant will be determined based on when the claim was received.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, including IVDS and degenerative arthritis, is being remanded due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of his current condition.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development, including obtaining missing personnel records and providing etiology opinions regarding the Veteran's low back disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, conducting a VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected residuals of a left elbow fracture with degenerative arthritis, and readjudicating the issue.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's TDIU claim for additional development, including obtaining a VA opinion regarding whether his service-connected disabilities preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The case is also referred to VA's Director of C&P Service for consideration of entitlement to TDIU on an extraschedular basis.