Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee osteoarthritis and degenerative arthritis, status post total arthroplasty, is related to his active service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's residuals of left leg fracture, including leg length discrepancy, are due to aggravation by service. The Veteran also has a current diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the left hip, status-post total arthroplasty, which is secondary to his service-connected residuals of left leg fracture.,The Board found that the Veteran's hepatitis C was not incurred in or aggravated by his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disorder is directly related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for various equipment purchases/home modifications under the vocational rehabilitation independent living plan is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination and updated independent living assessment.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right knee, left knee, and lumbar spine.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for clarification from Dr. Timmons regarding his January 2012 examination findings, and for additional development concerning the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his employability.

The Veteran's bilateral leg disorder, diagnosed as bilateral lower extremity muscle cramps, is related to service.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder, which has been diagnosed as degenerative arthritis, is not related to any injury, disease, or event incurred in service.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including anterior cruciate ligament tear and traumatic degenerative arthritis with lateral meniscal tears, warrants a rating of 10 percent since February 2, 2011.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for a ventral hernia and service connection for back, left knee, and psychiatric disabilities. The Veteran's ventral hernia was rated as 20 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis is manifested by pain with muscle spasm productive of guarding severe enough to lead to an abnormal gait, warranting a 20 percent rating.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis and bursitis of the right hip and thigh have been rated at 30 percent since June 21, 2016.

The Veteran's right knee DJD with osteoarthritis was rated as 10 percent disabling prior to April 5, 2011. He is now entitled to a separate evaluation for painful motion of the right knee and his total right knee arthroplasty has been rated at 30 percent since June 1, 2012.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a deviated septum has been denied as there is no current evidence of this condition during the appeal period.,For his bilateral knee disabilities, the Veteran's claims have not yet been fully adjudicated and require further development.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and bilateral foot disability are not service-connected, as they are not related to his military service or any in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining a VA examination and reviewing outstanding VA treatment records.

The Veteran's service connection claim for left knee osteoarthritis is granted as the evidence supports an in-service injury and current disability, with continuity of symptoms since separation from service.

The Board has determined that additional development is necessary before a decision can be made regarding the Veteran's claims for service connection. This includes verifying his periods of active duty and Air National Guard service, obtaining SSA records, securing VA treatment records, and arranging for medical opinions to determine the etiology of various conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and a supplemental opinion regarding service connection for depressive disorder, as well as for higher ratings for his lumbar spine disability and left lateral epicondylitis.

The Veteran's neck and shoulder disabilities are found to be related to his military service, with the Board granting service connection for both conditions.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and instability are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings warranted based on the current evidence of record.,Hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent.