Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims of service connection for erectile dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, thoracic osteoarthritis, and hypertension need further examination and opinion to determine their etiology and severity.

The Veteran's left shoulder, right knee, and left knee disorders are granted service connection as they were incurred during active duty for training (ACDUTRA) or inactive duty for training (INADUTRA).,The Veteran's back disorder is also granted service connection as it was incurred during ACDUTRA or INADUTRA.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combined to a 90 percent rating between December 20, 2010 and December 30, 2014. Prior to December 30, 2014, the Veteran was not unemployable due to his service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render her unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a TDIU based on this.

The Board has granted service connection for left and right ankle disabilities, finding that the current disability is related to an injury sustained during active duty for training.

The Veteran's service connection claim for scars on the left hand and forearm is granted. The claims for increased ratings of his left shoulder osteoarthritis and bronchial asthma are denied due to failure to report for VA examinations.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions have been denied as the evidence does not show any current disabilities related to active service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for recurrent lumbosacral strain with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis was not reopened due to lack of new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened based on the submission of new and material evidence, but it remains denied as there is no credible supporting evidence of an in-service stressor.

The Veteran's right knee disability prior to September 5, 2014 was rated at 10 percent and the claim for a higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the L5-S1 facet was granted service connection as it began during active duty. Service connection for high cholesterol, back disability (other than osteoarthritis), bilateral leg pain, arthritis of joints (bilateral legs), gout, left ear hearing loss, heart condition, hypertension, prostate disability, and depression were denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee osteoarthritis and lumbar spondylosis, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The claim for TDIU is granted with the exception of the rating reduction for right knee osteoarthritis which is remanded.

The Board has determined that additional examinations and opinions are needed to properly evaluate the Veteran's claims for service connection, increased ratings, and TDIU due to his right hip disability, left ear hearing loss, right knee disability, and right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and sciatica conditions are being remanded for additional examinations to assess their current severity, as well as for the submission of income verification. The TDIU claim is also being referred to the Director of Compensation and Pension Service.

The Board has restored the 80% evaluation for bilateral eye pseudophakia (for decreased visual acuity) effective from September 1, 2015. The left knee disorder claim is remanded due to incomplete service records and need for additional medical examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint and acromioclavicular joint had its onset during active duty service, granting service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's knee and shoulder disabilities were not shown to be related to service, and his respiratory disorder is unrelated to service. Service connection for these conditions was denied.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his service-connected conditions do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the lumbosacral spine, right total knee replacement, left total hip replacement, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities, PTSD, and TDIU are all granted.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been found to be sufficiently severe to produce unemployability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle condition is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected bilateral pes planus, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was granted, with a rating of 100% effective from the date of the decision.