Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran has been rendered unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to service-connected disabilities including PTSD, cervical radiculopathy, lumbar strain with degenerative joint disease, and tinnitus. The Board grants the TDIU.

The Board has remanded the cases for additional development and clarification of medical opinions regarding service connection for residuals of a head injury, back condition, and headaches.

The Veteran's claim of weight gain is denied as it does not constitute a disease or injury for which service connection may be established.,For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran’s left knee osteoarthritis and chronic right knee strain have been rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that entitlement to ratings in excess of 10 percent is not warranted based on the evidence provided.,The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder joint sprain, status post acromion open reduction and internal fixation has been rated at 20 percent. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating given the current clinical findings.,For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran’s bilateral hearing loss has been rated at noncompensable (0%). The Board finds no basis for an increased rating based on the evidence provided.,The Veteran's service-connected left shoulder residual surgical scar and left side of hip residual surgical scars have both been rated at 20 percent. The Board finds no basis for a higher rating given the current clinical findings.,For the entire period on appeal, the Veteran’s restless leg syndrome has not been evaluated by VA as it is not service-connected.,The Veteran's claims for service connection for back disability, left hip arthritis, right hip disability, and head injury have all been remanded due to insufficient evidence.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his thoracolumbar spine disability, left lower extremity femoral nerve palsy, and peripheral neuropathy. The VA will obtain additional medical records and schedule the Veteran for examinations to assess the severity of these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's residuals of a meniscus tear and right knee degenerative arthritis, finding that these conditions are as likely as not related to his in-service right knee injuries.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports.,Service connection for asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and undiagnosed illness/chronic multisymptom illnesses associated with Persian Gulf service is also being remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and skin rash as manifestations of an undiagnosed illness due to presumed environmental exposures during his service in Southwest Asia. The claims are being remanded to reschedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that there was no clear and unmistakable evidence of aggravation during his military service. The pre-existing condition worsened beyond its natural progression.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical evidence and to schedule the Veteran for a VA examination.

The Board has granted the Veteran's application to reopen his previously denied claims for service connection for narcolepsy, bilateral knee disability, bilateral ankle disability, bilateral wrist disability, depression, hypertension and abnormal heartbeat, left ear hearing loss, and migraine headaches.

The Board denied service connection for a right hip disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's low back condition warrants a disability rating in excess of 10 percent, and the Board has ordered a remand to determine its current severity.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, particularly his headaches and psychiatric disorder, render him unable to maintain substantially gainful employment. As a result, TDIU is granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right eye disorder, sleep apnea, and heart disorders. The Board also remanded the issues of service connection for left hip and right knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has determined that further development is needed for the Veteran's claims of service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, right knee Baker’s cyst, and right knee medial compartment osteoarthritis. The claims are being remanded to obtain additional medical opinions addressing whether these conditions are related to his service-connected PTSD or in-service peroneal nerve palsy.

The Veteran's atrial fibrillation/tachycardia is granted as service-connected due to aggravation by his in-service ASD repair. Appeals for the remaining issues are dismissed.

The Veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for residual scar, excision of neoplasm posterior neck was denied as the evidence did not show at least one characteristic of disfigurement.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss was denied because there is no current diagnosis and the preponderance of the evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran had hearing loss during service or due to an in-service injury.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection and rating for left ankle sprain and left knee degenerative arthritis due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for her right and left foot disabilities have been denied. The VA has determined that the current ratings of 10 percent are appropriate based on the severity of her hallux valgus conditions.

The reduction in disability rating from 30% to 10% for degenerative arthritis of the left knee was improper, and the 30% disability rating is restored as of May 1, 2012. The issue of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 30% for the same condition is remanded.