Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee arthritis, but denied service connection for his left shoulder osteoarthritis. The left knee condition is related to service due to a motor vehicle accident (MVA), while the left shoulder condition is not.

The Board has denied service connection for glaucoma and erectile dysfunction, finding that the preponderance of evidence is against a relationship to service. The claims for degenerative disc disease, thoracic back fractures, left hip strain, right hip strain, left knee degenerative joint disease, and right knee degenerative joint disease are remanded due to insufficient medical opinions.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection of a bilateral knee condition due to insufficient evidence and the need for further examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches and TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's current diagnoses of migraines, hiatal hernia, and degenerative arthritis have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for residuals of a fracture of the left tibia with osteoarthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing another VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including a new VA mental health examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claimed acquired psychiatric disorder. The issue of service connection for right knee osteoarthritis remains unresolved.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hip osteoarthritis, as it is unclear whether his condition is related to his service-connected knee disabilities. The VA will need to obtain additional medical records and provide an addendum opinion from a clinician.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities (asbestosis, degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, status post right inguinal hernia repair, anxiety reaction, and lumbar spine scar) have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine with IVDS and associated radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are currently rated at 20 percent, effective from September 6, 2016.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was dismissed. The claims for service connection for urinary incontinence and bowel incontinence, both secondary to degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, were denied.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a neurological disability of the bilateral lower extremities and TDIU prior to December 3, 2009 and from April 1, 2017 due to pending issues regarding the Veteran's spine.

The Board has granted service connection for right knee strain and osteoarthritis, as well as partial rupture of the left Achilles tendon, all found to be secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left and right knee disabilities are not related to his military service, thus denying his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis was denied. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left hip disorder is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability and right knee disorder due to a lack of evidence during active service, but considering the Veteran's statements regarding his in-service injury and continuity of symptoms.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a left knee disability, right knee disability on secondary basis, hearing loss, tinnitus, and sleep apnea. The claims are all granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is remanded due to potential missing Social Security Administration records.

The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis, gouty arthritis, and others. The claims were not granted on a presumptive basis due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral knee and foot disabilities did not render him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to October 31, 2014.

The Veteran's initial rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracic spine is granted at 40 percent, effective June 30, 2011. The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent, also effective June 30, 2011. A TDIU rating is granted from June 12, 2017.