Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have resulted in the loss of use of both feet and render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. The appeal for SMC based on aid and attendance is granted, and the appeal for financial assistance for the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to address his claims of increased ratings for right knee disability and pseudofolliculitis barbae, as well as service connection for a left knee condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity disorder, finding that her current condition is not related to her period of active duty. The remaining issues on appeal are pending and will require further development as per the April 2015 remand directives.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected left knee disability and to address any additional limitation of motion due to weakened movement, excess fatigability, incoordination, or pain during flare-ups and/or with repeated use.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right knee osteoarthritis contributed substantially or materially to cause his death from a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis of the elbows, and degenerative arthritis of the knees as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the left elbow disability prior to October 14, 2014 and an initial 30 percent rating for bilateral flatfoot (fibromatosis) effective October 14, 2014. The Veteran's claims for liver disorder, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and muscle pain, cramps, numbness, weight loss and gain, and joint pain are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, including osteoarthritis and a total knee replacement, is not service-connected. The Veteran was also denied TDIU due to his inability to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's knee disabilities have been granted, but no new or increased evaluations are warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including VA examinations to assess the severity of his right and left knee disabilities and the etiology of his claimed cervical spine and left arm disorders. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU is also inextricably intertwined with the issues on appeal.

The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder osteoarthritis does not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and referral for extraschedular TDIU consideration is not warranted.

The Veteran's appeal was denied as his claims for higher ratings were not supported by the evidence of record.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and referring the TDIU claim for extraschedular consideration.

The Board found that the Veteran's neurologic impairment of the left upper extremity is not a manifestation or caused by his service-connected osteoarthritis of the left acromioclavicular joint with rotator cuff tear of the left shoulder, post-operative.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the Board finds that he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his left knee disability prior to January 9, 2014. For the period from March 1, 2015, the evidence does not support a rating in excess of 30 percent.

The Board has determined that there is no evidence of a chronic disability resulting from the Veteran's in-service injury, and thus service connection for osteoarthritis of the right thumb cannot be granted. For his claimed migraine headaches, the Board finds that the weight of the competent evidence does not support entitlement to service connection.

The Veteran's claims for various conditions, including right knee disability and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, were granted. The specific ratings assigned are provided in the decision summary.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for scheduling a Board hearing by live videoconference. The case will be returned to the Board after the hearing.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining service treatment and personnel records from his Enlisted Reserve Corps service.