Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board has decided that a medical examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's cervical spine and bilateral knee conditions are related to his service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome (IDS) of the thoracolumbar spine, or if they are separate conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for osteoarthritis of the right great toe joint, which is already rated at 10%, has been denied. The Board found that his current symptoms are already accounted for by the existing rating.

The Veteran's residuals of cold injuries to the right and left feet are rated at 30 percent, effective from May 19, 2008.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings have been dismissed as the Veteran has withdrawn his appeal.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has remanded the claims for left knee disability, psychiatric disability (to include PTSD), and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities as there are outstanding VA treatment records that need to be secured.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been remanded due to insufficient evidence or procedural errors. The conditions of interest include dental issues, hallux valgus of the feet, pseudofolliculitis barbae, right ankle condition, varicocele condition, low back condition, left knee condition, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), headache condition, acquired psychiatric disorder, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II, due to exposure to herbicide agents is denied as there is no credible evidence of such exposure. The Veteran's back disability and associated radiculopathy claims are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 40 percent since April 28, 2017. The Board found that the condition did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the right knee is rated at 10 percent prior to September 5, 2013, and at 20 percent from that date. The Board found the evidence did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to October 16, 2012, for the award of SMC based on his spouse's need for aid and attendance was denied as there is no evidence showing that his spouse required regular aid and assistance with daily self-care tasks before this date.

The Board dismissed all service connection claims except for the Veteran's TDIU claim, which was granted.

The Veteran's labrum tear of the right shoulder with degenerative arthritis does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating than 20 percent.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee disability is remanded due to the need for additional examination and evidence.

The Veteran's left knee disability, consisting of osteoarthritis and patellar tendinopathy, is considered to be related to his active service. The Board granted the claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative joint disease of the hands and knees have been denied. His claim for major depressive disorder secondary to his service-connected chronic fatigue syndrome has been granted, but he is still seeking an increased rating for his chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded for a VA examination to assess its current severity and manifestations.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including instability and meniscal tear with locking, pain, and effusion, was found to meet the criteria for separate 10 percent ratings for limitation of extension and instability prior to April 26, 2017. The Board also remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding his current left knee disability severity and its impact on employment.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right thumb fracture with osteoarthritis and left foot first phalanx of the fourth digit with shortening and metatarsalgia are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ankle osteoarthritis as there is no current diagnosis of arthritis.