Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's wife has multiple disabling conditions that require the aid and attendance of another person, qualifying him for SMC benefits. The claims for service connection for right shoulder impingement syndrome, hypertension as secondary to PTSD, and coronary artery disease (CAD) as secondary to PTSD are denied.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and instability do not warrant ratings in excess of the currently assigned 10 percent for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been withdrawn, and the Board has dismissed the appeal.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to allow for the scheduling of a Travel Board hearing at the RO.

The Veteran's bilateral elbow impingement with osteoarthritis and cubital tunnel syndrome, as well as his bilateral knee condition, are found to be related to military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left ankle and left knee disabilities are related to his service, granting entitlement to service connection for both conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's rhinitis is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected status post nasal fracture with mild depression of the left nasal bone. The issue of entitlement to an initial disability rating higher than 10 percent for left ankle degenerative arthritis will be addressed in a separate decision.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left and right knee disabilities were not incurred or aggravated by service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service. The current conditions are less likely than not related to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current folliculitis is incurred during active service and granted service connection for this condition. The other issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to schedule him for a VA examination and obtain additional medical records. The issues of entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for right shoulder recurrent dislocation with degenerative arthritis of the AC and glenohumeral joint, and entitlement to an initial compensable evaluation for scar, status post surgery, right shoulder will be reconsidered after these actions.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected conditions are being remanded to allow for additional development of the record.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional evidence regarding his eligibility for an annual clothing allowance based on use of a knee brace. The Chief Medical Director or designee must determine if the knee brace meets the criteria for a clothing allowance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and records. The issues of entitlement to an increased rating for left knee arthritis and service connection for a right thumb disability are pending.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in permanent and total disability that is due to the loss or loss of use of one or both lower extremities so as to preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair. As such, he is entitled to a certificate of eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Veteran has withdrawn her appeals for left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, and thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability was not incurred or aggravated by active military service and denied his claim.

The Veteran's ganglion cyst of the left hand is found to be related to service. The VA examiner could not provide a nexus opinion regarding his osteoarthritis of the left wrist, but the Board finds that the requirement for current disability has been met and service connection is granted.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for left and right knee disorders, as well as his acquired psychiatric disorder. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding whether these conditions are related to service.

The Veteran's impairment of sphincter control, status post hemorrhoidectomy, has been granted a 30 percent rating effective July 28, 2008. The lumbar spine disability remains at a 10 percent rating.

The appellant is at least as likely as not in need of aid and attendance based on physical incapacity, which requires care or assistance on a regular basis to protect the claimant from hazards or dangers incident to her daily environment. The Board finds that she needs regular aid and assistance due to medical conditions such as dizziness, imbalance, angina, fatigue, dyspnea, pain, numbness, and falls.