Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Board has granted a clothing allowance for the left wrist splint used to treat service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome. The right wrist splint, bilateral knee braces, and menthol/methyl salicylate topical medication are denied as they do not meet the criteria for an annual clothing allowance.

The Veteran withdrew her appeals for higher initial ratings in multiple service-connected conditions, resulting in the dismissal of all issues.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy were granted, with specific ratings and effective dates provided. The issues of separate compensable ratings for neurologic abnormalities other than radiculopathy, special monthly compensation on the basis of aid and attendance or housebound status, and entitlement to VA compensation benefits under 38 U.S.C.A § 1151 are still pending.

The Board has granted service connection for hepatitis C. The Veteran's claims for other conditions are remanded due to the need for further medical examination and opinion.

The Board is remanding several claims for further development, including those related to left knee osteoarthritis and other service-connected disabilities.,Additional medical records are needed to clarify the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions and determine if they are related to her military service or service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's left wrist post-traumatic osteoarthritis has not been rated higher than 10 percent due to the absence of incapacitating exacerbations. The case is being remanded for a new examination and rating determination.

The Board has granted service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to a military injury sustained during active duty.,Service connection was denied for the blood disorder as there is no evidence of radiation exposure and the Veteran did not have any records indicating such exposure.

The Veteran's use of knee braces for service-connected disabilities is causing damage to his clothing, and he is granted a VA clothing allowance for the year 2017.

The Board has denied service connection for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and bilateral knee disabilities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective May 5, 2017. The decision is based on the severity of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine has been reopened, and both conditions have been granted.

Service connection for right shoulder strain and degenerative arthritis is granted.,Initial ratings of 10 percent, but no higher, for right knee osteoarthritis with limitation of flexion are granted.,Initial ratings of 20 percent, but no higher, for right knee osteoarthritis with limitation of extension are granted.,TDIU from March 14, 2017 is granted.,TDIU prior to March 14, 2017 on an extraschedular basis under 38 C.F.R. § 4.16(b) is remanded.

The Veteran's back disability claim is remanded due to the need for a more recent VA examination to determine the severity of his service-connected disabilities, including IVDS and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine.

The Board has remanded the claims for a rating in excess of 20 percent for a back disability, service connection for a left hip disability (secondary to the back disability), and TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran is required to undergo VA examinations to assess his current back and left hip conditions.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for his service-connected right shoulder disability, back disability, and tinnitus ratings.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional VA examinations.

The Board has denied increased ratings for right and left knee degenerative arthritis with limitation of motion in flexion, but granted separate 10 percent ratings for limitation of extension of the right knee and separate 20 percent ratings for meniscal tears in both knees. The TDIU claim is remanded.

The claim to reopen service connection for a left ankle disability is granted. The Board has decided that the Veteran's current left ankle disability may be related to an in-service injury, but further examination is needed to determine this.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left knee status post total knee replacement, osteoarthritis of the right knee, and right knee patellar subluxation were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and updated income information.