Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling a new VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability. The case will also be adjudicated again to determine if he is entitled to TDIU.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal regarding the earlier effective dates for separate evaluations of sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the lower extremities, secondary to service-connected degenerative osteoarthritis and disc disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for further development, including obtaining VA examinations and opinions to address the nature and etiology of his acquired psychiatric disability, bilateral hip osteoarthritis, back disability, sleep apnea, and hypertension.

The Veteran is found to require regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities, which cause him to be in need of assistance on a regular basis to protect himself from hazards or dangers incident to his daily environment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disability, including intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis, osteopenia, scoliosis, and lumbar spinal stenosis, is related to service due to continuity of symptoms since service separation. As such, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected back disorder is rated at 40 percent, effective as of the date of the decision. He also has a separate rating of 10 percent for associated left lower extremity radiculopathy.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right ankle disability was not present during service or within one year of discharge, and is not shown to be causally related to his active military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including an addendum opinion from a VA examiner.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and right shoulder disorder did not manifest within one year of service or are otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims for increased rating and TDIU related to his service-connected lumbar spine intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal involves claims for increased ratings, effective dates, and TDIU for his service-connected low back strain and lumbosacral degenerative arthritis. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical evidence and clarify the basis of the grant of Dependents' Education Assistance.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further examination and review of his claims, including the relationship between his right knee osteoarthritis and his service-connected right foot disability.

The Veteran's low back disability is service-connected and rated at the maximum available benefit. The appeal for increased ratings for PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, and right inguinal hernia has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is being remanded for further development, including a VA examination to assess the combined effects of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability and heart disability are service-connected, with no issues regarding rating or effective dates.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of recent treatment records.

The Veteran's prostate disorder was not related to service, and there is no evidence of osteoarthritis or peripheral neuropathy. The Board denied the claims for these conditions.

The Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating effective June 1, 2016 due to his service-connected right hip disabilities.

The Board is requesting an addendum opinion to determine if the Veteran's current bilateral foot disabilities are related to his in-service ingrown toenail surgery. The appeal will be remanded for this purpose.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions on the relationship between his cold injury residuals and osteoarthritis of hands and feet, as well as peripheral neuropathy of hands and feet.