Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including significant mental health and physical conditions, have prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantial employment. Therefore, a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is granted.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are rated at 20 percent, but no higher. The lumbar spine disorder is currently rated as 20 percent disabling from February 17, 2015.

The Board has granted service connection for sleep apnea and remanded the claims for left knee disorders, hypertension/high blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus, type II.

The Board has granted a 100 percent disability rating for right knee osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease, status post hemiarthroplasty from July 6, 2012 through August 31, 2013. Effective September 1, 2013, the Veteran is granted a 30 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional medical records and a VA examination. The issues are related to his service-connected right knee disabilities, specifically anterior cruciate ligament laxity and osteoarthritis of the right knee with limitation of motion.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee degenerative arthritis and meniscal injury, right knee degenerative arthritis, and chronic sinusitis. Service connection was denied for sleep apnea.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and osteoarthrosis are granted as service-connected, with a grant of initial compensation for this condition. The Veteran's hypertension is not found to be related to Agent Orange exposure or his PTSD.,An initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss is denied.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient examination opinions and need for further development.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for other specified depressive disorder with other specified anxiety disorder was denied as the symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher disability rating.,Service connection for renal insufficiency was denied because there is no evidence of current renal dysfunction and the Veteran does not have a diagnosis of renal insufficiency.

An initial 50 percent rating for bilateral flat feet is granted, effective September 23, 2007. The claim of entitlement to an initial higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine prior to October 25, 2016 and thereafter is denied. The claims of entitlement to an initial higher rating for varicose veins of left lower extremity and right lower extremity are remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for eligibility for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for further development and consideration.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities, as well as a cervical spine disability. The case is remanded to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions, particularly in relation to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea was denied, while his right ankle disability rating reduction from 30% to 10% was granted. The decision is mixed as it addressed both issues.

The Veteran's right knee disorder, diagnosed as degenerative osteoarthritis, is granted service connection. The Board also found that her low back and right hip disorders are related to her service-connected right knee disorder.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including osteoarthritis and internal derangement (meniscal and ACL tears), is rated at a 30 percent evaluation for the period beginning July 15, 2016. The rating takes into account his limitation of extension to 20 degrees.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings were denied. Service connection was not granted due to lack of a diagnosed disability in the left ear or sleep disturbances. The cervical strain and left ankle conditions did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on current evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for allergic rhinitis and sinusitis, but the claims for left knee disorder and acquired allergies are remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for right hip and right knee conditions with osteoarthritis, both secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability. The evidence did not support a finding that these conditions were proximately due to or aggravated by his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a right inguinal hernia repair surgery. The issue of service connection for bilateral knee disability is remanded.