Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for depression and has assigned a 10% disability rating effective December 22, 2016. The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the right hand will be rated at 10%.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including plantar fasciitis, pes planus, osteoarthritis, and mild hammertoes, had its onset in service or is otherwise related to service, or that it is related to or aggravated by the service-connected residuals, partial tear, of the left Achilles tendon.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis and lumbar spine disability have been rated based on their service-connected nature. The Veteran is seeking higher initial evaluations for these conditions, but the current ratings of 20% for cervical spondylosis and 10% for the lumbar spine disability are maintained.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but denied service connection for a bilateral foot disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his relocation and the need for a new hearing date. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar segment of the spine, and right foot disability are still pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome is service-connected, as it was incurred during his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability is related to normal aging rather than service, but the Court vacated this decision and remanded for further consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis is due to or a result of continuation treatment he had while on active duty. The Veteran's service records show mild degenerative changes in his knees from as early as two months prior to his entry into service, and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut this presumption.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is not service connected as it did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter, and there is no evidence linking it to his service-connected left foot condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his chronic fatigue syndrome and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The Veteran is in need of regular aid and assistance due to his physical or mental incapacity.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative arthritis of the bilateral hips, and degenerative arthritis of the bilateral knees. The Board finds that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and an addendum opinion from the VA examiner.

The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed osteoarthritis of the knees did not have its onset during military service and is not etiologically related to his in-service knee injuries. As a result, the claim for service connection was denied.

The Board finds that the Veteran's currently diagnosed bilateral foot disorders, including pes planus and Morton's neuroma, are not related to service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder is not service-connected as it was not incurred in or aggravated by service.,The Veteran's kidney cysts, lung disorder, and nerve disorders are not service-connected as they were not incurred in or aggravated by service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of her left knee osteoarthritis, as the last examination was more than four years ago.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was also denied.

The Board found that the evidence does not establish an in-service event, injury, or disease relating her current acquired psychiatric disorder, peptic ulcer disease, peri-rectal ulcerations, degenerative arthritis, low back disability, and bilateral hearing loss to either of her periods of ACDUTRA. As such, service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current low back disability is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for a left wrist disorder, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his active military service.