Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran withdrew his appeals for increased rating, service connection, and reopening of a claim related to various conditions. The Board dismissed the appeals as a result.

The claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the bilateral great toes is not reopened, and the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability (including PTSD and depression) is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has determined that another remand is necessary to ensure proper evaluations and opinions for the Veteran's claimed osteoarthritis conditions, as well as his right foot bunion with spurring.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left and right knee disabilities, finding that they are related to her in-service training injury resulting in severe tendinitis.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining a retrospective VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's right knee disability during specific time periods.

The Board denied service connection for a bilateral knee disability and diabetes mellitus type II, finding that the current conditions are not related to or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including chronic back pain and depression, prevent her from securing or following any substantially gainful employment. The Board has ordered additional development to determine if the Veteran meets the schedular requirements for TDIU.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral shoulder disabilities are not rated higher than 10 percent prior to September 25, 2017 and not rated higher than 20 percent from that date.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and his right ankle strain with ossification and left ankle strain and sprain are each rated at 20 percent. The appeal for increased ratings is denied.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for post bilateral photorefractive keratectomy and PTSD with depressive disorder is remanded. The appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including right ear hearing loss, right knee arthritis, degenerative arthritis and spondylosis of the lumbar spine, tension headaches, left knee condition, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The evidence did not establish a current disability or link to service.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to an inadequate April 2016 VA right knee examination. The Veteran is required to provide information about any outstanding private treatment records and all identified health care providers are requested to forward copies of relevant medical documentation.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.

The Veteran's initial disability rating for his low back disability was denied, and the issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to April 7, 2010 is being remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral knee replacements and degenerative arthritis, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is related to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to inadequate examination and failure to attend a VA examination. The Veteran's left knee disorder is being evaluated again for service connection.

The Board has remanded three issues: entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for degenerative changes of the right knee, entitlement to an evaluation in excess of 10 percent for chronic right knee patellar tendonitis, and entitlement to a higher initial evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and ankylosing spondylitis of the thoracic spine. The Veteran's spouse’s need for aid and attendance was denied due to lack of evidence showing she requires regular aid and assistance.

The Veteran's bilateral knee osteoarthritis, instability, and patellofemoral pain syndrome is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran also receives a TDIU due to the combined effect of multiple service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to his request for withdrawal of the claims.