Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service connection claim for a cervical spine disability is granted, and the appeal regarding his intervertebral disc syndrome and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine rating is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine disability did not begin during service and is not related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. The preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran was hit by a pallet during reserve service.

The Board denied service connection for right hip disability, right hip scar, and tinnitus as the evidence did not support a link to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is etiologically related to his military service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various conditions, including right knee disability, left shoulder disability, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and other musculoskeletal issues, has been granted. However, some claims were remanded due to insufficient evidence or procedural errors.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right wrist disorder, finding that there was no nexus to military service and that the condition did not manifest within one year of discharge. The Board also found that the Veteran had osteoarthritis and carpal instability status post anterior and posterior interosseous neurectomies of the right wrist.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate examination and lack of consideration of the Veteran's history, complaints, and lay statements. The Veteran is seeking service connection for his left knee disorders, which he claims are secondary to his right knee condition.

The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for right hand osteoarthritis, residual of dog bite, is being remanded due to the submission of additional medical evidence.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability and an increased rating for chronic extensor tendon tear at distal interphalangeal joint with arthritis, right little finger. The claims for service connection of the right ankle and right knee disabilities are remanded.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the current severity of the Veteran's right elbow disability, specifically limitation of extension. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to determine his current range of motion and functional loss.

The Board has remanded two issues: a higher evaluation for osteoarthritis, residual of left knee injury and a higher evaluation for laxity of the left knee. The Veteran needs to undergo an additional VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection due to uncertainty regarding his periods of active duty and Reserve service, as well as the nature and etiology of his claimed disabilities. The issues have been returned to the RO for further development.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for osteoarthritis left knee. As a result, the claim is denied.

The Board denied service connection for right shoulder sprain, lower back muscle strain, left knee osteoarthritis, and headaches. The claim of PTSD was granted with new and material evidence.,PTSD was reopened but the claim remains pending as it has not been fully adjudicated.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete records and need for further medical examination. The examiner is required to provide opinions regarding whether the hip conditions are related to service, including exposure at Camp Lejeune, and whether any right leg disability is related to service.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and meniscus issues have been rated, with a temporary total rating for the arthroplasty period from February 21, 2017 to March 31, 2018. As of April 1, 2018, he is granted a 30 percent rating for his status-post total left knee replacement.

The Veteran's bilateral hip disability is granted as service-connected due to a diagnosis of mild degenerative arthritis, presumed related to active service.,Service connection for the Veteran's skin disability (psoriasiform dermatitis) is denied because it was not caused or permanently worsened by his service-connected back disability.

The Veteran's PTSD has resulted in significant occupational and social impairment, warranting a higher initial rating of 70 percent. The low back disability for the period prior to October 1, 2010 is remanded due to inadequate examination. The right knee disability is also remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, as well as the rating for degenerative arthritis in both knees. The Veteran's appeal is granted due to a timely notice of disagreement filed regarding these issues.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating and extension of temporary total disability benefits are granted. The Veteran is entitled to a separate 10 percent disability rating for left knee instability, effective February 27, 2015, and an extension of the temporary total disability rating through April 30, 2016.