Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine was denied. The Board also remanded her service connection claim for a psychiatric disability, to include depression (MDD), but did not reach a decision on it due to insufficient evidence.

The Veteran's left hip disability was initially rated at 10 percent from August 7, 2009 to August 28, 2014. After a VA examination in November 2016, the Veteran underwent left total hip arthroplasty on September 19, 2016, and is now rated at 100 percent for one year from that date.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU was granted. The right ankle disability is rated at 10 percent, the right medial ankle scar remains at 10 percent, and the Veteran is now eligible for TDIU.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for tinnitus, prostate cancer, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy of the upper left and right extremities, osteoarthritis of the left and right knees. The Veteran is also found to be unemployable due to his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has found that the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is at least as likely as not caused by or related to his service-connected right knee disability, and thus granted service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that additional examinations are needed to assess the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected knee and shoulder disabilities, as well as any outstanding private or VA treatment records should be obtained.

The Veteran's appeal is granted, with a TDIU being awarded. The remaining issues are addressed in the REMAND portion of this decision.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and instability have been rated based on their current manifestations, with a separate rating for instability granted from February 16, 2007 to October 1, 2012. The Veteran is currently rated at 20 percent for right knee instability.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and development of the record.

The Veteran's right ankle disability, which includes a fracture that was repaired and now manifests as osteoarthritis with a scar from plantar fasciitis treatment, is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board finds the evidence does not support an increase in rating beyond this level.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot disability, including pes planus, hallux valgus, degenerative arthritis, and hallux rigidus of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's left hip disability, characterized by a fracture of the anatomic femoral neck with nonunion and weight-bearing preserved with a brace, has been rated at 60 percent since the rating period under appeal.

The Veteran's left and right knee disabilities are not service-connected as they pre-existed service or were not aggravated by service. The Veteran's back disability is not service-connected as there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service.,Service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions has been denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including severe osteoarthritis in his knees and degenerative joint disease of the spine, have rendered him unable to dress, feed himself, or perform daily activities without significant assistance. The Board finds that he meets the criteria for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance from another person.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claim for service connection for posttraumatic arthritis, left ankle and finds that it is warranted based on continuity of symptomatology since service. The Veteran was initially diagnosed with left ankle arthritis during active service and continues to have symptoms related to this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination of his left knee and obtaining outstanding medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral lower extremities disability, peripheral neuropathy of the left leg, and osteoarthritis of bilateral feet, knees, and hips were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions are less likely than not related to cold weather exposure during service.

The Board denied service connection for left and right knee disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current knee conditions are not related to his military service. The Board also found no evidence of a compensable degree of hearing loss in the right ear within one year after separation from service.,Service connection was not granted as there is no medical evidence linking the Veteran's current left and right knee disabilities or right ear hearing loss to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis, right knee disability, and left knee disability have been denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a higher rating or service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, bilateral hearing loss, sinusitis, peptic ulcer disease, radiculopathy of the left upper and lower extremities, degenerative arthritis of the cervical and lumbar spine.