Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's TDIU claim is remanded due to the need for updated employment information. The Board acknowledges that he has been employed as an Uber driver, but needs more details on his work history and income.

The Veteran's appeal includes a request for an increased rating for his left knee osteoarthritis with limitation of extension, and also questions the propriety of reducing his disability rating from 40 percent to 10 percent effective December 1, 2015. The Board has determined that both issues should be remanded due to the need for a new VA examination.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in purchasing an automobile or adaptive equipment, specially adapted housing, or a special home adaptation grant.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities due to outstanding VA examinations not having been scheduled.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for a neck disorder, left wrist disorder, and diabetes mellitus type II due to insufficient evidence in some cases.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for migraine headaches, an increased rating for degenerative arthritis intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and a TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and evidence.

The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis with olfactory nerve damage and loss of smell, a low back disorder, right hand disorder, and left hand disorder. The decision is based on the Veteran's credible statements about his in-service injuries and ongoing symptoms.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's right hip disability, including bursitis and arthritis, is secondary to his service-connected left knee disability. The VA needs to obtain an addendum opinion from a physician to address this issue.

The Board has remanded the claims for right ankle/foot disability, bilateral knee osteoarthritis, type II diabetes mellitus (DM), and bilateral eye disabilities due to inextricably intertwined issues with the predicate issue of entitlement to service connection for right ankle/foot disability. The TDIU claim is also deferred.

The Veteran's right wrist carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis, as well as his degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, are all granted service connection. The Board found that these conditions were related to in-service injuries.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as of December 28, 2007. An effective date of December 28, 2007 is granted for the award of a TDIU rating.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been presented to reopen the claim for service connection for a left knee disability, secondary to service-connected degenerative arthritis right leg with history of right patellar fracture. The Veteran's current left knee degenerative arthritis was found to be caused or aggravated by his service-connected right leg condition.

The Board has remanded the claims for neurological disorder of the left buttock area, right hand scars, left thigh muscle injury with strain, and irritable bowel syndrome with diverticulosis and colon polypectomy due to new evidence and worsening symptoms.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various conditions, including left knee osteoarthritis, right shoulder disability, right knee strain, allergic rhinitis, and migraines, were denied. The decisions are based on the current severity of these conditions as determined by VA examinations.

The Veteran's left knee disability is secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability, and his spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are also secondary to his service-connected right ankle and left knee disabilities. Service connection has been granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and depressive disorder have been granted initial ratings, with the left knee receiving a 40% rating. The service connection for hip disorders is also pending.

The Veteran seeks an earlier effective date for service connection for right knee tendonitis/tendinosis with osteoarthritis, left ankle Achilles’ tendon rupture, and PTSD with major depressive disorder. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against these claims.,The Veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for service connection for right ankle Achilles’ tendon rupture. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence is against this claim.

The Board denied service connection for a right knee disorder and right ear hearing loss, finding that the Veteran did not have current disabilities of these conditions at any point prior to or during the pendency of his claims.,Service connection was not granted because there is no evidence of a current disability in either condition as defined by VA regulations.

The Veteran's left hip disability is denied service connection. Service-connected degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine results in a 20% evaluation prior to August 9, 2016 and a 40% evaluation from that date forward. The Veteran's radiculopathy of both lower extremities associated with his lumbar spine disability is also granted at 20%. A TDIU for the period from September 1, 2007 to September 18, 2017 is granted.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to deficiencies in prior VA examinations and lack of consideration of all relevant medical data.