Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's bilateral knee conditions are denied as they did not manifest during service or within one year of separation, and were not caused by military service.

The Veteran's persistent depressive disorder is currently rated at 50% and has been since January 4, 2018. The Board found that the disability warranted a higher rating of 70%. The effective date remains unchanged.

The Veteran's left hip and right knee osteoarthritis are granted as service-connected.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for right knee, left hip, and left foot conditions due to a lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to perform daily activities of living without the assistance of another, and he meets the criteria for SMC by reason of the need for regular aid and attendance from another person.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for basal cell carcinoma and increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine with IVDS were denied. The claim for increased rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity is remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee disability, finding that there was no evidence linking his current condition to his military service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine disorders of osteoarthritis, spondylosis, and spinal strain. The Veteran's current diagnoses are related to in-service back injuries and treatment. Service connection for sleep apnea is also granted as the evidence now supports a link between the condition and one or more service-connected disabilities.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his knee conditions and sinusitis due to incomplete medical records and inadequate examination reports.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis of the right hip, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct relationship between his current condition and his military service. The Board also found insufficient evidence to establish secondary service connection due to his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, right knee, and left knee as secondary to service-connected bilateral feet and ankle disabilities.

The Board has granted service connection for hyperhidrosis of the right foot and remanded the issue of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the right foot, to include as secondary to left foot stress fracture.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II as secondary to asthma, right knee degenerative arthritis, and left knee injury with arthritis, status post repair of tendon rupture are remanded due to outstanding records and need for a VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and a rating increase are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated medical records and scheduling VA examinations.

The Veteran's right eye disability, cervical spine spondylosis, and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine (L3-4) were not found to be service-connected or warrant increased ratings.

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine is currently rated at 40 percent from December 12, 2018. Prior to April 8, 2013, he was rated at 10 percent.,From April 8, 2013, his lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine is rated at 40 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evaluations, particularly regarding his right knee laxity. The other issues are currently pending.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and an acquired psychiatric disability (including posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression) due to the Veteran's death.

The Veteran's service-connected back and right knee disabilities have worsened, and he should be scheduled for a VA examination to determine the current severity of his conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy and lung disability, have been denied as the evidence does not support a finding of in-service onset or continuity of symptoms.,Service connection is only granted if there is medical evidence linking the current condition to an injury or disease incurred during active duty. The Veteran's claims are based on presumed exposure to Agent Orange (AO) herbicides, but the Board found no direct link between any claimed conditions and service.