Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2017

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar degenerative arthritis, degenerative joint disease of both ankles, and chondromalacia with x-ray evidence of degenerative joint disease of both knees. The Board found that there is no medical evidence showing a link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the left sacroiliac joint and radiculopathy, left femoral nerve are being remanded due to the need for additional development.

The Veteran's service connection claims for bilateral foot disorder, degenerative arthritis of the knees, and nose disorder have been denied as his conditions are not related to active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine does not warrant a grant of service connection, but has granted entitlement to a TDIU based on his combined rating of 60% and his service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service and is not related to any event or injury during his military service. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including major depressive disorder, post traumatic osteoarthritis of the right shoulder with loss of range of motion, tinnitus, and bilateral high frequency hearing loss, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal was denied for various issues, including initial compensable rating for GERD and increased ratings for knee and cervical spine conditions. The reduction in the disability rating from 20 to 0 percent for left knee instability effective July 17, 2014 was found proper.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lower back disability, diagnosed as osteoarthritis with disc bulging, is related to his period of active duty service. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's spinal disability was productive of incapacitating episodes lasting at least one but less than two weeks in the prior 12 months and a combined range of motion in the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees, warranting a 20 percent disability rating from September 4, 2013 to August 9, 2016.

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by limited flexion and extension with pain, warranted a single 10 percent rating based on limitation of motion. The Veteran was denied an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a higher rate of DIC based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her service-connected disability, as she did not meet the criteria for A&A or housebound benefits.

The Veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected right knee osteoarthritis. The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for updated treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities and a request for TDIU. The case is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board.

The Veteran is granted an initial 10 percent rating for left knee osteoarthritis from August 10, 2010 to April 16, 2015 and a separate 10 percent rating for left knee instability effective August 10, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment for the entire appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a bilateral leg disability that is attributable to his active service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and bilateral hip osteoarthritis are caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee disability.

The Veteran's cold injury residuals involving the hands and feet, including any degenerative changes, are found to be caused by in-service exposure to extreme cold weather conditions during his service in Korea. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or for adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a VA examination.