Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2017

The Veteran's service-connected right knee instability and osteoarthritis were found to not warrant an increased rating or a higher initial disability rating, respectively.

The Veteran's left shoulder disability is not rated higher than 30 percent, and his degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine has been rated as 10 percent prior to March 18, 2011, and 10 percent thereafter.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred in or aggravated by service, and is not related to his service-connected low back disability. As a result, service connection for the cervical spine disability is denied.

The appellant withdrew his appeals for restoration of service connection for lumbar spine osteoarthritis, cervical spine degenerative arthritis and left lower extremity sensory deficit.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher evaluations for his right and left knee disabilities, finding that they were not service-connected.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability is manifested by X-ray evidence of arthritis and slight limitation of motion. The criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was granted a rating of 20% for the period prior to April 9, 2013, and a 40% rating for the period beginning April 9, 2013. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was also granted a 20% rating throughout the appeal period.

The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to July 9, 2009 for the grant of service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy and intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis have been granted.,Service connection has also been established for these conditions. The Veteran is currently receiving a 20% evaluation for his intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis.

The Board has determined that SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance for the Veteran's spouse is not warranted due to her functional capacity, which does not require personal assistance from others.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee disorder, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, did not manifest during his period of service and is not otherwise related to his military service.

The Veteran's chronic sprain and degenerative osteoarthritis of the right knee had its onset during service, and the Board finds that service connection is warranted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The Veteran is currently assigned a 10 percent rating for sinusitis, but not higher, due to the presence of three or more incapacitating episodes per year requiring prolonged antibiotic treatment.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal, and the Board does not have jurisdiction to review it.

The Veteran's service-connected post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the right ankle does not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a spine examination. The issues of increased rating for right knee disability and service connection for lumbar spine disorder are pending.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his bilateral knee disabilities and obtain recent medical records from Dr. Raymond Shea.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees is related to service, specifically his already service-connected low back strain with degenerative disc disease and bilateral sacroiliac degenerative changes; degenerative disc disease, cervical spine; and sacroiliac joint dysfunction, with degenerative changes.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right knee disability is not related to his service, and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities make it impossible for him to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus granting a TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current foot disabilities are not related to his service, and thus denied his claim for service connection for residuals of cold injuries to the feet. The low back and hip disorders are found to be secondary to the Veteran's PTSD.