Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's cervical spine strain and lumbar spine strain have been rated based on their specific disabilities, with the highest ratings possible under current VA guidelines. The Veteran is granted a TDIU effective October 28, 2016.,For cervical spine strain prior to September 14, 2016, the Veteran's disability level does not warrant an increased rating as there are no treatment notes supporting higher levels of disability.

The Veteran's bipolar disorder and other service-connected conditions have resulted in total occupational and social impairment, warranting a TDIU rating. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU prior to July 6, 2015 is remanded for further review.

The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a left knee disability is granted as secondary to his service-connected right knee disability. The Board found that the evidence supports the conclusion that the Veteran's left knee disability was caused by and related to his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee condition is not service-connected due to lack of evidence showing a chronic disability in service or within the applicable presumptive period. The right knee condition, however, was diagnosed during service and requires further examination for proper adjudication.

The Veteran's service connection claims for right ear hearing loss, left ear hearing loss, tinnitus, and degenerative arthritis of the spine (lumbar spine disorder) are all granted. The decision on the claim for degenerative arthritis of the spine is remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding service connection claims for degenerative arthritis of the spine and bilateral knee disorder.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, femoral nerve involvement, associated with his service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability was granted on June 22, 2011. The Board found that the effective date should be set at this date as it is later than when entitlement arose.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that it had its onset during combat service in Vietnam.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate prior VA examinations and failure to comply with previous remand directives.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee disability is as likely as not attributable to his active duty service and granted service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities related to his shoulders, cervical spine, and knee have not been rated appropriately. The Board has ordered remand for further examinations to determine the current severity of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU was remanded due to the need for VA examinations and the need to obtain SSA records. The case is now back with the Board for further action.

The Board denied the veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability, finding that there is no evidence of a chronic right knee disorder during active duty and that any current osteoarthritis is not related to service.

The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, and headaches have all been denied service connection. The flank scar associated with kidney cancer has an effective date of March 14, 2017.,An initial compensable rating for the flank scar is also denied.

The Veteran withdrew his appeal before the Board could make a decision, so the case is dismissed.

The Board has remanded the claims for initial ratings for right big toe disability and rosacea, as well as issues related to increased ratings for other service-connected conditions. The right big toe disability is currently rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral hip condition was denied. The Veteran was granted a 10 percent rating for left knee instability, beginning March 30, 2012. Other issues were remanded.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected disabilities and to obtain updated VA examinations.,The Veteran has multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities, including increased ratings for various knee disorders, shoulder strain, wrist strain, thoracic spine compression fracture, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, bilateral plantar fasciitis with first metatarsophalangeal joint degenerative arthritis, pansinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and tension headaches. Additionally, he seeks service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability and right flank condition with numbness.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current lower back condition, including ankylosing spondylitis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative disc disease, is etiologically related to his service injuries. Service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status has been denied. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) due to lack of anatomical loss or use, blindness, or inability to walk without assistive devices. Additionally, he is not permanently bedridden or in need of regular aid and attendance as a result of his service-connected disabilities.