Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for service connection for fatigue and painful joints, headache disorder, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have been denied as these conditions are not related to his active duty service.

The Board has granted a rating of 30 percent for the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative arthritis, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran also received a separate 30 percent rating for moderate incomplete paralysis of the left upper extremity due to radiculopathy.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and the need for an addendum opinion regarding the Veteran's shoulder disability. The issues of service connection for degenerative arthritis, right shoulder, and compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for carpal tunnel syndrome in the right hand are pending.

The Veteran has withdrawn their appeals for a higher disability rating for right foot degenerative arthritis with right second hammertoe, bilateral tinea pedis, and non-service-connected pension benefits. The Board is dismissing these issues as the appeal has been withdrawn.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his lumbar spine condition, right knee enthesopathy and osteoarthritis, and right ankle sprain was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.

The Board has granted service connection for the claimed conditions, finding that they are secondary to the Veteran's service-connected low back disability.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosis of degenerative arthritis of the spine is related to his in-service back pain, which began during service while using a jackhammer. As such, the claim for service connection for a low back disability is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's back disability is related to his in-service injury, and grants service connection for a back disability.

The Veteran's right and left knee instability have been rated as 10 percent each, but the Board has granted separate ratings of 20 percent for semilunar cartilage dislocation in both knees.,The Veteran is also entitled to a combined rating of 40 percent for his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine has been productive of, at worst, limitation of motion to 30 degrees of forward flexion. The Board finds that this does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and spondylolisthesis, is being remanded due to inadequate development. The VA examiner must provide an addendum opinion addressing any diagnosed low back disabilities during the pendency of the appeal, considering the lay and medical evidence in the file.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current neck disability (arthritis) and residuals of a head injury (post-concussion syndrome and migraine) are related to in-service injuries, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has reopened the claim of entitlement to service connection for a right knee disability and finds that it is at least as likely as not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right ankle disability. The Veteran's seizure disorder is also found to be at least as likely as not secondary to his service-connected migraine headaches.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's left knee DJD and instability have been rated at 10% since May 20, 2014. The rating for the arthritis remains unchanged, but a separate 10% rating has been granted for instability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right foot disability and thoracic spine disability are related to his service, meeting the criteria for direct service connection. The Veteran's PTSD is not rated higher than 70 percent, and he does not meet the criteria for a TDIU through March 30, 2015.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the neck was at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected myasthenia gravis, and thus grants the claim for service connection on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, neck disability (musculoskeletal), and skin lesions on neck are all denied as there is insufficient credible evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis and sinusitis have been granted service connection, with a rating of 10%.