Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his left knee osteoarthritis must be remanded due to the need for a new examination that complies with VA regulations and court decisions.

The Board dismissed all appeals except the claim for a TDIU, finding that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disability, including chondromalacia patella and mild patellar tendinosis, is related to her in-service injury in May 2009. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder is rated at 30 percent, and his lumbar strain is rated at 30 percent. The combined rating of both conditions is 70 percent, which meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Veteran's right hand disorder is currently rated as 10 percent disabling. The Board has denied a higher rating for his right hand condition. For the right knee, he was granted a 20 percent rating prior to June 1, 2017, and remains at that level thereafter. He is not entitled to an increased rating beyond 10 percent for limitation of motion due to degenerative arthritis with chondrocalcinosis of the menisci in his left knee. The Veteran's claims for service connection related to PTSD are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for various shoulder and ankle disabilities due to unclear periods of active duty, ACDUTRA or INACDUTRA. The appellant needs to be examined to determine if these conditions are related to his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and secure substantial gainful employment.

The Veteran's bilateral hand disorders, including degenerative arthritis and trigger finger repair, are denied as not related to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus warranting a TDIU rating. The increased rating claim for the right tibia and fibula fracture is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities, as well as his left hip disability. The Veteran is also seeking a TDIU based on these service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, lumbar spine injury with subsequent osteoarthritis (curved spine), pinched nerve of the cervical spine, mild degenerative changes in the left leg and knee, and prostate cancer, preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment. As a result, his claim for TDIU is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and radiculopathy of the left leg due to incomplete documentation and need for further examination.

The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The Veteran does not meet criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran also does not meet criteria for TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for right ankle degenerative arthritis, bilateral knee osteoarthritis status post total knee replacements, and traumatic brain injury. Service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis, and a VA examination is needed to determine its etiology.

The Board denied payment or reimbursement for medical expenses incurred in connection with the Veteran's non-VA care at Orthopedic Associates of Osceola on December 16, 2013 because the treatment was not pre-authorized by VA and did not constitute a medical emergency.

The Veteran's left knee brace caused wear and tear to her clothing, which is sufficient for an annual clothing allowance in 2014.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left thumb osteoarthritis is remanded due to the need for additional VA examination and consideration of new evidence.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine as there was no evidence of a valid freestanding claim and no allegation of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) in previous decisions.

The Board denied service connection for a lumbar spine disorder and left hip osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's conditions were not incurred or aggravated by his military service.