Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is not service-connected as it did not manifest within one year of separation from service and there is no evidence linking the current condition to military service.,The Veteran's tinnitus is service-connected as it is related to in-service noise exposure. The right knee disability is also service-connected as it was caused by a service-connected right ankle disability.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical and lumbar spine conditions, as well as service connection for neurological damage to the arms and legs, bilateral hip disability, bilateral ankle disability, and osteoarthritis of the knees are denied.,The Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of a bilateral shoulder disability or bilateral hearing loss.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a TDIU due to service-connected low back disability, finding that his current employment does not meet the criteria for unemployability.

The Veteran's left thumb disability is rated at 10 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under DC 5228 for limitation of motion. The Board finds that his symptoms do not more nearly approximate a higher rating based on additional loss of function due to flare-ups or ankylosis.

The Veteran's anxiety disorder has resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 50 percent disability rating.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left shoulder osteoarthritis is service-connected, as it was incurred during his active duty. However, the claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis is granted service connection based on chronic symptoms in and since service.,A supplemental VA medical opinion will be obtained to address the current status of a meniscal tear diagnosis.

The Veteran's claims for PTSD and obstructive sleep apnea were denied. The Board found that there was no competent evidence linking these conditions to his military service. For the lumbar spine disabilities, a remand is required as the most recent VA examination did not include range of motion findings in accordance with Correia v. McDonald.

The Veteran's claims are being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination, including for a VA examination regarding his hypertension.

The Board finds that the Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities, including DJD and degenerative arthritis, are related to his active service due to continuity of symptomatology. The Veteran has consistently reported experiencing chronic knee pain during and since service.

The Board has granted a 30 percent initial rating for the Veteran's right shoulder disability, effective from January 22, 2014. The condition is rated under DC 5201 due to limited motion of the arm.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar spine, bilateral foot, bilateral knee, and bilateral shoulder disorders are not related to service. The eye disorder is not currently diagnosed.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for osteoarthritis of the back and left hip, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board found that the Appellant's pre-existing scoliosis did not worsen during his periods of ACDUTRA and INACDUTRA, thus denying service connection for both thoracic spine and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Veteran's left elbow and wrist disorders were not shown to be related to his active service or a service-connected disability. His right upper extremity disability is currently rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, characterized by pain and limitation of motion at the shoulder level, does not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.,The preponderance of evidence is against finding that the Veteran is unable to obtain or maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected right shoulder disability.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss was rated at 10% prior to July 13, 2015 and increased to 20% from that date. The claims for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and bilateral cataracts were denied as there is no evidence of service connection or secondary relationship.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and medical opinion to assess the Veteran's employability due to his service-connected disabilities. The TDIU claim is currently before the Board.

The Veteran's lumbar strain is currently rated at 40 percent, effective from July 24, 2015. The Board finds that the evidence supports a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar strain.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for aid and attendance of another person or being housebound is denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit.