Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Board has remanded several issues related to the Veteran's left knee and right hand disabilities, including a reduction in rating for left knee instability, increased ratings for osteoarthritis and other conditions, and evaluations for scars. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to determine current severity.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been denied, including for his lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities. The TDIU claim was granted.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including new VA examinations.

The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 50 percent, but the Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating. The Veteran also does not meet the criteria for TDIU as he has one disability rated at least 40% and his combined evaluation is less than 70%. His other disabilities are not sufficient to bring his combined evaluation to 70%.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of any claimed conditions and there is no evidence linking these conditions to service. As such, the claims for service connection are denied.

The petition to reopen the previously denied claim for service connection of a left knee disorder is granted. The remanded issue of determining whether service connection should be established due to new evidence is pending.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of increased ratings for left knee osteoarthritis and instability due to inadequate examination findings. The Veteran will need updated VA examinations to assess his current disability levels.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for cervical spine degenerative arthritis has been granted, with an effective date of August 2, 2012. The disability is rated at 20 percent.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for bilateral pes planus and Achilles tendonitis, hypertension, and degenerative arthritis of the spine with spondylosis are being remanded due to several issues needing further examination and consideration.

The Board has granted service connection for impingement syndrome, subacromial/subdeltoid bursitis, and osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints of the right shoulder. The Veteran's current diagnoses are found to be related to his in-service duties. Service connection has also been granted for obstructive sleep apnea, with the Board finding that the Veteran's symptoms were manifestations of the condition during service.

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his right hip and right finger disabilities, as well as the TDIU claim, are being remanded due to inadequate examinations. The VA is instructed to obtain Social Security Administration records, schedule new VA examinations, and refer the case for consideration of an extra-schedular TDIU award.

The Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis changes of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available.,The Veteran's service-connected major depressive disorder and pain disorder are currently rated at 30 percent.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee scars and osteoarthritis due to the need for additional VA examinations and consideration of all evidence in his file.

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine (lumbar spine disability), and major depressive disorder as there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and active duty.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is being remanded due to additional VA medical evidence not yet reviewed by the AOJ.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hand osteoarthritis, right shoulder disability, low back disability, and bilateral patellofemoral syndrome. The Veteran's current diagnoses are considered to be related to his active military service.

The Veteran's right little finger fracture residuals are rated as noncompensable, and his low back disorder is currently rated at 20 percent.,Both conditions have not met the criteria for higher evaluations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected bilateral knee disorders, including degenerative arthritis and left knee medial meniscus tear. The TDIU claim is also remanded as it is intertwined with the increased rating claims.

The Board denied service connection for a mental health condition due to the Veteran's personality disorder, which is not considered a disease or injury for compensation purposes. The claims for increased ratings for knee disabilities are remanded as VA outpatient records have not been obtained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was caused by a retroperitoneal bleed, which is considered service-connected due to his use of diclofenac and Plavix for his knee disabilities.