Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of advanced osteoarthritis of the left hip is related to an injury sustained during active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's back disability is found to be at least as likely as not related to his active service. The acquired psychiatric disorders are also found to be related to his service, with PTSD being diagnosed based on a stressor during service.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn all claims on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is not related to service or a service-connected disability, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to address the severity of his service-connected gout and osteoarthritis of the bilateral great toes, right ankle disability, and bilateral pes planus. The RO must also ensure that all claims are readjudicated in light of all evidence.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to scheduling issues with VA examinations in Spain.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher evaluation for his right knee degenerative arthritis was granted, and he is currently receiving a 10 percent evaluation effective from December 18, 2006. The appeal is about the evaluation on or after that date.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the increased disability rating for medial degenerative arthritis right knee.

The Board has granted service connection for a bilateral hip disorder based on continuity of symptoms since service, which is considered presumptive under VA regulations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disorder, including osteoarthritis, is not related to his military service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a left ankle rating was denied as there is no indication of the Veteran's intent to file a claim prior to January 2010.,Service connection for a right shoulder disability was also denied due to lack of evidence showing onset during service or within one year after separation.

The Veteran does not have service connection for bilateral cataracts, arthritis (gouty and osteoarthritis), or a low back disability. The Board finds that the current diagnoses are not related to active duty service.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of bilateral and left hip disabilities, including osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, and bursitis, were not related to his military service. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions had their onset during or within one year after his separation from active duty.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not met the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes, with or without consideration of pain and other symptoms.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 40 percent for mechanical low back pain with osteoarthritis of the thoracic spine was denied, as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound was also denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral elbow disability did not manifest in service or for many years thereafter, and is not related to service.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability has been granted, with the assigned rating of 20 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disabilities are not service-connected due to lack of chronicity in service and no continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and coronary artery disease have been dismissed. The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as osteoarthritis of the bilateral hips.

The Board has granted service connection for a low back disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine. The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral foot strain disabilities are remanded to issue a Statement of the Case.