Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's left knee disability, including degenerative arthritis and instability, is rated at 20% overall. The issues of a separate rating for loss of extension and instability are granted.

The Veteran's left knee disability resulted in a temporary total evaluation for convalescence following surgery. For the period prior to March 16, 2009, he was granted an increased rating of 10 percent; from March 16, 2009 to September 8, 2009, he received a 20 percent rating for cartilage dislocation with frequent episodes of locking and pain. From October 10, 2009 forward, the Veteran was granted a 20 percent rating for instability. For the period from August 29, 2009 to present, he received a 20 percent rating for limitation of flexion.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic cervical strain was denied. The Board found that the disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating due to pain and limitation of motion, with flexion greater than 15 degrees.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and missing records. The Veteran's left hand disability is being reviewed for service connection.

The Veteran's TDIU claim for the period prior to April 13, 2011 is denied. The Board grants a TDIU from April 13, 2011 and finds that his service-connected disabilities preclude substantial gainful employment.

The Veteran is entitled to specially adapted housing due to his service-connected disabilities, including diabetic peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and erectile dysfunction. The claim for special home adaptations is dismissed as a matter of law.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of his right ankle and left ankle disabilities. The Board found that the Veteran has credible reports of continuous headaches since service, which are related to an in-service injury while playing softball. Service connection is also established for migraines (headaches), low back disability, cervical spine disability, and paresthesia of the right upper extremity.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee disability, including residuals of osteoarthritis and total arthroplasty. The claim was reopened due to new evidence submitted since May 2010.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is related to service and the Board has granted service connection for this condition.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral knee disorder and TDIU due to his service-connected low back disability. The evidence did not support a finding of direct service connection for the bilateral knee disorder, as there was no in-service injury or disease related to this condition. The examiner opined that the Veteran's bilateral knee disorder is not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected low back disability. The Board also found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for TDIU based on his combined rating of 50%.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine if any right hand disabilities are related to service-connected wrist or elbow disabilities, and whether they were incurred in service.

The Veteran's left wrist disability, which includes degenerative arthritis and ankylosis, is rated at 40 percent since August 25, 2010.

The Veteran's claim to reopen his PTSD service connection is granted, and the appeal for service connection of lumbar spine disabilities as secondary to left knee disability is also granted. The Board finds that new evidence received raises a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claims.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to address the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right hip disorder and sleep apnea. The issues will be remanded for further action.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations and proper notification of scheduled examination dates.

The Board found that the Veteran's current cervical spine disorder is not causally or etiologically related to his military service, including a reported incident of being thrown down some stairs in 1967. The evidence does not support a finding that the condition began during service or within one year after discharge.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnoses of degenerative disc disease, chronic lumbar strain, degenerative arthritis, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis of the lumbar spine are related to his in-service injuries. As a result, service connection for these conditions is granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's right knee disorder is not service connected and does not meet the criteria for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 due to VA treatment.

The Veteran's low back and bilateral knee disabilities were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The Board found the evidence against a finding of direct service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis of the left knee is currently rated at 10 percent, but his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as he does not have limitation of motion that meets the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5260 and 5261.