Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right leg osteoarthritis, left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (Agent Orange exposure), and right lower extremity peripheral neuropathy (Agent Orange exposure) due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left knee disability was denied. The claims period is marked by increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and separate ratings for neurological impairment in both lower extremities, but denial on other issues.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for a right knee condition and sleep disorder, finding no medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The issues of increased disability ratings for bilateral hearing loss and tinea pedis are remanded.

The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board has ordered a new VA examination to determine if a higher rating is warranted.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at 10 percent from August 5, 2011 through June 7, 2012 and at 20 percent effective October 1, 2012. The rating of the left ankle disability was granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee medial meniscectomy with muscular atrophy and mediolateral instability, as well as left knee osteoarthritis prior to November 16, 2010, were denied. The Veteran was granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the condition and active duty service.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of 30 percent, but no higher, for left knee chondromalacia with degenerative arthritis is granted. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating due to the presence of flare-ups during which he cannot use his knee at all.

The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for left hip disability and an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, as these issues were not adequately addressed in previous examinations.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lower back disability, including degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, is related to a motor vehicle accident during active duty for training in August 1999. As such, service connection is granted.

The Veteran's degenerative changes of the left knee are granted a rating of 20 percent, but no higher. Service connection for atopic dermatitis is also granted.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for various shoulder and spine disorders due to potential issues with causation and aggravation, as well as a need for additional medical opinions.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left knee disabilities and his claim for TDIU due to lack of substantial compliance with previous remand orders.

Service connection is granted for major depressive disorder and the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine, bilateral knee, and bilateral foot disorders are found to be the primary cause of his current major depressive disorder. The Veteran's other service-connected conditions do not warrant an increased rating.

The Board denied service connection for a right shoulder disability, finding no probative medical evidence linking the current condition to service.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 2, 2001 for the 20 percent disability rating and April 12, 2006 for the 40 percent disability rating for healed compression fractures T8 and T9 with degenerative changes to L4 and L5, herniated disc, arthritis, lumbar spine strain was denied.,The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to April 12, 2006 for the grant of service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with involvement of sciatic nerve of the left and right lower extremities was denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, endometriosis, and asthma are not related to her military service.,The Veteran was diagnosed with a right knee injury in-service but subsequent VA examinations have found no link between her current disabilities and her military service.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examinations and a need for new medical opinions regarding the Veteran's lumbar muscle strain with degenerative arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for a clothing allowance in 2013 was denied because the prescribed medication (Clobetasol ointment) did not cause damage to his clothing, and there is no provision for damage resulting from the disability itself.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination to determine if the Veteran has a current disability of peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity that is related to service or a service-connected disability, and to ascertain the current severity and manifestations of service-connected right upper extremity axillary mononeuropathy.