Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's left knee disability is rated as 60 percent disabling, with a separate 20 percent rating for lateral instability. The right knee disability was initially rated at 10 percent prior to February 7, 2011 and increased to 100 percent from that date until March 31, 2012, then rated as 60 percent thereafter. A separate 10 percent rating for lateral instability is granted prior to February 7, 2011, and a noncompensable rating for scar associated with right knee arthroplasty is also granted.

The Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing and/or a special home adaptation grant is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his spine disability and radiculopathy, as well as the issue of entitlement to a TDIU, are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports and need for additional development.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding that they were not related to active service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was not caused by or related to her service-connected disabilities, including her right ankle disability. The cause of death was a pulmonary embolism due to an auto accident.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disorder, to include as secondary to his service-connected bilateral ankle disabilities, is being remanded due to the need for additional development and an addendum opinion regarding the relationship between his left knee disorder and his military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims of entitlement to service connection for right shoulder disability, bilateral thigh disability, and cervical spine disability. The evidence did not establish a nexus between any current disabilities and service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right knee disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating or compensation for either condition.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and spine and right knee disabilities, but severed service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The effective date for the grant of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, and limitation of flexion in the right knee is set at April 27, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for service-connected history of rheumatic fever was withdrawn. The claim for secondary service connection for anxiety is denied. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for service-connected depression is denied. The claim for a compensable rating for service-connected Bell's palsy is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of knee strain, meniscal tear, and joint osteoarthritis are not related to his active military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of records and need for a supplemental opinion regarding service connection for low back disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 7, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and left ear hearing loss are all service-connected. The tinnitus is presumed to have been incurred during active duty due to noise exposure. The degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is considered a chronic condition that became manifest within one year of separation from active duty. The left ear hearing loss is not service connected as it did not become manifest within one year of separation and there is no evidence of aggravation by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disability is etiologically related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disorders are caused by his service-connected right knee disability, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip and knee osteoarthritis, as well as his flat feet, were not incurred or aggravated during service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including his total knee replacement surgery, is rated at 60 percent since September 1, 2014. The claim for an increased evaluation prior to July 2, 2013, remains pending.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is being remanded for additional examination and development due to conflicting information regarding the presence and severity of incapacitating episodes.