Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The decision did not address the TDIU claim.

The Veteran has withdrawn his appeal for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for advanced osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, and is satisfied with his current disability compensation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, including degenerative arthritis of the spine and lumbar spondylosis, was not incurred in or aggravated by service. The claim is denied.

The Veteran's low back strain with myofascial pain has been rated at 20 percent prior to October 31, 2016 and increased to 40 percent from that date. The effective date for the increase in rating is July 28, 2017.,The Veteran's service-connected low back strain with myofascial pain warrants a higher rating than currently assigned.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical degenerative disc disease and osteoarthritis are related to his military service, including a fall from a helicopter during combat in Vietnam. The claim for service connection is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's depression and lumbar spine condition are related to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities, granting service connection for these conditions on a secondary basis.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his left foot disability was denied as the evidence did not support a rating higher than 20 percent.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including instability and degenerative arthritis, has been rated at 30 percent since June 8, 2011. The claim for a higher rating is granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of osteoarthritis of the hands, knees, and back are related to service. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board is unable to determine the exact cause of the Veteran's service-connected heart disorder, but it has permanently progressed at an abnormally high rate due to his major depressive disorder and lumbar strain with arthritis. The right shoulder disorder, left knee meniscal tear, osteoarthritis of the right knee, bilateral venous insufficiency, and bilateral foot disorder are all found to be related to service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are so severe that they preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU.

The Board found that there is at least an equipoise of evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine and his in-service injury, thus granting service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disability is proximately due to or a result of his service-connected right knee disability, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine conditions are related to service, while his migraine headaches as a result of electrical shock are also related to service. However, the Veteran's degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine were not caused by or aggravated by active duty service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in a combined evaluation of 70 percent, qualifying him for TDIU as of October 28, 2016. The claim for home adaptation grant or specially adapted housing is granted.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS has been manifested by limited range of motion, but not to a level warranting an increased rating. The current evaluation is considered appropriate based on the combined range of motion and flexion limitations.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a right shoulder disability due to new evidence received since the last denial. The left shoulder disability claim remains pending.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and additional development of his medical records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder disability did not warrant an earlier effective date than March 4, 2013, for a 20 percent evaluation.