Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's TDIU claim is denied as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's clothing was damaged by a brace he uses for his service-connected left knee disability. The Board has granted payment of a clothing allowance for the calendar year 2014.

The Board found that the Veteran's current lumbar spine disabilities were not incurred in service and are not otherwise etiologically related to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that his current diagnosis of osteoarthritis is related to in-service back pain and that there is continuity of symptoms since service.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding service connection for cold weather injury residuals and left foot disability, requiring further examination and evaluation.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection claims are being remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative joint disease of the right knee and left knee patellofemoral syndrome (including osteoarthritis), finding that the Veteran's current conditions are at least as likely as not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for right lateral/medial epicondylitis and hyperlipidemia was denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of these conditions.,Service connection for PTSD, thoracolumbar spine IVDS and degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, left ankle sprain, cervical spine strain, right shoulder sprain, right shin splints, left shin splints, hemorrhoids, right knee patellofemoral syndrome, and left knee patellofemoral syndrome was denied. The Veteran's PTSD disability rating prior to September 27, 2012 was also denied.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss due to the Veteran's withdrawal. The TDIU claim for the period prior to September 30, 2015 was denied as the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following any substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee condition, including moderate osteoarthritis, knee effusion, and partial tear of medial collateral ligament, is etiologically related to his military service. The decision grants service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's left clubfoot and ankle osteoarthritis were noted at service entry. The MEB found that the condition had been permanently aggravated by service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, finding that it is related to a left ankle injury sustained during service.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the left ankle, finding that it is related to a left ankle injury sustained during service.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence on whether the Veteran's osteoarthritis is related to his military service or any other conditions he currently has.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection of left shoulder, hip, and knee conditions due to new evidence. The cases are remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's right elbow disability is currently rated as noncompensable. The Board has decided to remand the case for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected right elbow disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine are granted. The claim for pseudofolliculitis barbae is granted as it had its onset during active service, while the claim for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for heat sensitivity, respiratory disability, neck and back disabilities, joint disability or polyarthritis, and balance disability due to outstanding VA treatment records and further medical examination.

The Veteran's death was not caused by any service-connected disability, and the cause of death (chronic aspiration pneumonia, altered mental state, new onset seizure disorder) is not related to VA care or treatment. The Board denied both claims for service connection for the cause of death and DIC under 38 U.S.C. § 1151.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for a VA examination to assess the severity of his left knee disability, including any residual signs or symptoms due to a meniscectomy and chondroplasty. A separate rating may also be warranted under Diagnostic Code 5259.