Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of November 29, 2017.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability and initial ratings in excess of 10 percent for tendinitis and mild degenerative arthritis of the left and right wrists.,The Veteran's current left knee disability is less likely than not related to his active service, as it is more likely due to age-related degeneration. The same reasoning applies to the bilateral wrist disabilities.

The Veteran is granted a total disability rating for compensation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and left wrist conditions.

The Veteran's bilateral flatfeet with osteoarthritis is currently rated at 50 percent since February 2, 2017. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects his disability level and symptomatology.

The Veteran's service connection claims for a back disability, left knee osteoarthritis, right knee osteoarthritis, headache disability, and anxiety disorder are all granted. The claim for an increased evaluation of the Veteran's anxiety disorder is remanded.

The claim for service connection of a left knee disability is reopened, and the issues of rating for right knee disability and TDIU determination are remanded.

Service connection for major depressive disorder is granted. A rating in excess of 10 percent for hemorrhoids is denied. The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine prior to September 9, 2014 and on or after September 9, 2014 is remanded. His claim for a compensable rating for anal fissure is remanded. His TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board dismissed all issues due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disabilities with shin splints and PFB are rated at the maximum allowable under the rating schedule, and no higher ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as the VA Form 9 was not received in a timely manner.,The Veteran has been granted certificates of eligibility for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grants.

The Board has granted a separate rating of 10 percent for removal of the semilunar cartilage of the right knee. The issue of an increased rating for patellofemoral syndrome and osteoarthritis is remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis and nummular eczema require additional examinations to determine their current severity, as the most recent VA examinations are over six years old. The claims for increased ratings are being remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's erectile dysfunction is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected disabilities, including sleep apnea, lumbar degenerative disc disease/arthritis, major depression, lumbar radiculopathy, plantar fasciitis (left foot), and right shoulder osteoarthritis. As a result, the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction is granted.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the right wrist is currently rated at 10 percent, and a higher rating is not warranted.,Effective July 18, 2007, the Veteran has been granted service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity. Effective September 17, 2013, he was granted service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.

The Board granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the left hand, osteoarthritis of the right hand, and hypertension. Service connection was denied for a cervical spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, and sleep apnea.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims of service connection for left shoulder osteoarthritis and left knee arthritis, finding that new evidence supports a positive nexus to service. The claims are therefore granted.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including his partial knee replacement surgery, is rated at a minimum of 30 percent effective August 1, 2013.

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

The Veteran's bilateral elbow tendinitis, entrapment neuropathy of ulnar nerve, lateral epicondylitis, and medial epicondylitis are granted as service connected. The Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis and degenerative arthritis with hallux rigidus of the left big toe are also granted as service connected.

The Veteran meets the schedular requirement for TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which render him unable to follow a substantially gainful occupation.