Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to work.

The Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis rating remains at 10 percent, but the Board has requested additional evidence to review and may change this decision.

The Veteran meets the schedular criteria for TDIU on March 13, 2018, due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board has determined that he is unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's right knee disability, which included osteoarthritis and previous ACL and meniscus repairs, was granted a 20% evaluation for the period prior to October 3, 2017. The decision also noted that her left knee status post total arthroplasty had been rated at 10%. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The appeal seeking an earlier effective date for the grant of right knee disability is dismissed as moot due to the revision of the September 1983 rating decision on CUE. Service connection for various conditions including cervical spine, bilateral hip disorder, left leg condition, and psychiatric disorders are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the hands and feet as secondary to service-connected frostbite residuals.

The Board has granted the Veteran's petition to reopen his service connection claim for a left knee disorder, but has remanded it for further development due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion regarding the etiology of his current left knee disorders.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for osteoarthritis of the back, bilateral shoulders, and bilateral knees, as well as his claim for benign prostate hypertrophy with urinary obstruction secondary to diabetes mellitus and medications taken for service-connected disabilities. The AOJ is instructed to obtain all outstanding VA treatment records from 1989 to the present, including those from the Michigan Healthcare Systems and VA Clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They are also directed to conduct any additional development needed and obtain an addendum opinion regarding these claims.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and development of the record.

The Board granted an earlier effective date of May 24, 2013 for the increased rating to 20 percent for service-connected bilateral knee osteoarthritis. This represents a full grant of the benefits sought on appeal.

The Board has remanded the cases due to outstanding VA treatment records and requests for additional evidence.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has found that a higher rating is not warranted. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus disabilities are granted as service-connected.,Service connection is also granted for left hand surface lump, carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands, and primary vitiligo. However, the issues of service connection for carpal tunnel syndrome right hand and left hand, and degenerative arthritis left knee remain pending.

The Veteran's physical and mental disabilities necessitate the aid and attendance of another person to assist with some activities of daily living and protect him from ordinary hazards. The Board has determined that he meets the criteria for special monthly pension benefits based on the need for aid and attendance.

The Veteran's right hip condition, left knee osteoarthritis, and right knee osteoarthritis were all denied increased ratings. The fractured right ankle with ankylosis and degenerative joint disease was also denied.,The Veteran’s service-connected disabilities did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The claim for service connection for kidney stones is reopened, but the appeal remains remanded due to insufficient evidence. The claims for renal disease and systemic arthritis are also remanded.

The Veteran's appeals have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeal prior to the promulgation of a decision.

The Board has remanded the case due to issues regarding the Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis with degenerative arthritis and left foot hallux valgus. The Veteran is seeking an increased rating for these conditions, but also wants a separate disability rating for his left ankle limitation of motion.

The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for a new examination and updated medical records.

The Veteran's claims for evaluation of lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis, as well as service connection for an upper back disability (secondary to her service-connected lumbosacral strain and degenerative arthritis), are remanded due to the need for additional development.