Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations, as well as the potential impact on his entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's multiple joint-related disorder, including polyarthritis and SLE, is at least as likely as not related to service. As a result, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed conditions are not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a nexus between his current disabilities and active service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected left knee arthritis and right knee arthritis due to inadequate examination reports, failure to address functional loss during flare-ups, and need for additional VA treatment records.

The Veteran's degenerative osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS was granted an initial rating of 20 percent from April 5, 2010 forward.

The Board finds that the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis, which necessitated his total knee replacement surgery, is not a service-connected disability. Therefore, the claim for a temporary total rating based on left knee surgery necessitating convalescence cannot be granted.

The Veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The claim for a higher rating has been granted.

The Veteran's right shoulder osteoarthritis is not service-connected, and his current right arm disability (including numbness and pain) is not shown to be related to service.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his conditions did not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent for the periods prior to February 27, 2006.

The Board has awarded service connection for bilateral AC joint osteoarthritis, and the issue of TDIU is remanded due to pending claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination to evaluate the current severity and manifestations of his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the bilateral knee, lumbar spine/L5-S-1, and postoperative right ankle.

The Veteran's bronchial asthma is rated at 60 percent, and she meets the criteria for a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disabilities are not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims are mixed, with some issues granted and others not. The primary issue is the evaluation for PTSD, which remains at 70 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a service connection for erectile dysfunction and insufficient evidence to support higher disability ratings for his left knee gonoarthritis with scars, right knee instability, and right knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's Navy service records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records, as well as to provide a supplemental opinion regarding the etiology of his right knee osteoarthritis. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for another VA examination due to an inadequate previous opinion and non-compliance with prior remand instructions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right groin pain have been granted increased ratings effective September 4, 2015. The original claim for an increase in his service-connected lumbar spine condition was reopened due to new evidence (right groin pain and sciatica).

The Veteran's death was caused by an accidental drug overdose, which is considered the result of his own willful misconduct. The service-connected disabilities and prescribed medications did not contribute to his cause of death.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hip arthritis is not related to his service-connected back disability and denied his claims for service connection.