Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's left knee and right knee disabilities have been granted increased ratings, with a TDIU since September 29, 2018. The appeal for prior TDIU is remanded.

The Board has decided to remand the claims for a low back disorder and left hip disorder, as they are related to service-connected residuals of right fibula fracture with Pellegrini-Stieda disease and osteoarthritis. The Veteran's private treatment records need to be obtained, and medical opinions must be provided regarding the nature and etiology of these disorders.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy has been reopened and granted.,Service connection is established for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome, herniated disc, and post laminectomy syndrome.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were remanded due to insufficient evidence. The VA examinations and treatment records support the current non-compensable disability ratings.

The Board denied service connection for right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to an in-service injury or disease.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration, including obtaining medical records and determining whether a temporary total rating is warranted due to convalescence following surgery. The Veteran's right knee disability includes osteoarthritis with painful motion and a meniscal tear.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 60 percent effective March 14, 2019. He also received separate ratings for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities associated with his service-connected lumbar spine disability.

The Board has granted service connection for hypertension but has remanded the issue of service connection for residuals of a right foot fracture due to insufficient evidence.

The Board denied service connection for low back, right knee, and trouble seeing disabilities. The issue of bilateral foot disability is remanded.,Service connection was not granted for left knee disability due to lack of nexus.

The Veteran's claim for an increased disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his right knee disability is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of flare-ups.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating determinations due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran is required to undergo new VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his claimed conditions, as well as the severity of his cervical spine and right hip disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected knee and back disorders due to the need for additional medical examinations.

An initial 40 percent rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease, bilateral lower lumbar facet osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease and lumbosacral strain myositis is granted effective February 10, 2005.,The Veteran's major depressive disorder is rated as initially 30 percent disabling effective February 10, 2005. It is then increased to 70 percent effective March 20, 2007 and to 100 percent effective April 9, 2018.,Special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound level is granted effective November 1, 2005.,The Veteran's claim for SMC based on need for aid and attendance (A&A) is remanded. The TDIU claim is also remanded.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for left hip degenerative arthritis, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic disability in service or within one year after separation from service. The current condition was first documented more than 44 years after separation and does not show continuity of symptoms since service.

The Veteran's service connection claim for right leg shortening is denied. The Board finds no current diagnosis of right leg shortening and thus, the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that he has this condition. For his post-operative right knee injury with degenerative arthritis prior to May 20, 2015, the Veteran's disability rating remains at 20 percent.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome, has not been rated at a level higher than 20 percent. The Board has ordered additional examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected disabilities.

Service connection is denied for bilateral degenerative arthritis of the first toe, bilateral pes planus and plantar fasciitis, and right foot hallux valgus.,Service connection is denied for left ear hearing loss disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's current back disability and his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for alopecia areata and has remanded his right knee disability claim.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis and osteoarthritis of the neck are found to have originated during service, meeting the criteria for service connection.