Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's DDD of the lumbar spine and left ankle strain with degenerative arthritis are granted as secondary to his service-connected bilateral knee disabilities. The claims for increased ratings on both knees are remanded.

The Board has dismissed the appeals for a temporary evaluation of 100 percent based on surgical or other treatment necessitating convalescence and special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria, as well as service connection for left knee osteoarthritis with meniscal tear. The Veteran's appeal is not properly before the Board at this time.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for his right knee disability was dismissed because he did not file a Notice of Disagreement (VA Form 10128) as to this issue after the March 2019 rating decision.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain, to include degenerative arthritis with spondylolisthesis, finding that there was no evidence of a direct link between his current condition and his active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative changes of thoracolumbar spine, including degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, are causally related to her active service. The evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions began during service or are related to an injury sustained during service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.

Your right wrist disability and lumbar spine disability have been rated based on their current severity. However, your case is being sent back for further review as there are some issues that need to be addressed.

The Veteran's lumbar spine brace causes wear and tear to his clothing, which qualifies him for a clothing allowance in calendar year 2017.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability alone is sufficient to warrant a TDIU effective June 28, 2014. Additionally, his other service-connected disabilities are rated at least 60% disabling, meeting the criteria for SMC under Section 1114(s) of the VA Benefits Act.

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with bunionectomy, left ankle degenerative arthritis, and right ankle arthrodesis and osteoarthritis do not meet the criteria for a TDIU due to his ability to maintain employment.,The Veteran’s bilateral pes planus with bunionectomy disability is currently rated at 50% disabling. The AOJ should refer the issue of an extraschedular rating to VA's Director of Compensation Service for consideration.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left knee osteoarthritis disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a direct or secondary relationship between his current condition and his military service.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine, left knee, and right knee conditions are granted service connection.,Service connection for headaches is also granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection of a right knee disability and a neck disability, finding that new evidence did not establish a relationship to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for tension headaches, lumbar spine strain, left knee strain, and right thumb strain disabilities were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 30 percent for tension headaches or 10 percent for the other conditions.

The Board has remanded four issues related to osteoarthritis and post-traumatic stress arthritis of the Veteran's knees and ankles due to a lack of compliance with VA’s duty to assist in obtaining relevant private treatment records.

The Board has granted service connection for low back disorder, left knee osteoarthritis, right foot degenerative arthrosis, and left foot nonunion. The issues of service connection for ear disorders (including tinnitus and otitis media), a right shoulder disorder, and asthma are remanded.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, finding that it is causally related to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that the Veteran's current disabilities are at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected residuals fracture left femur with functional one inch shortening and left hip strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to SMC based on aid and attendance from January 23, 2018 due to his service-connected disabilities making his daily environment hazardous.