Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Board denied service connection for a left shoulder disability, but granted service connection for right knee osteoarthritis and meniscus tear.

The Veteran's claims for initial evaluations of his service-connected disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining complete SSA records and scheduling a VA medical examination.

The Veteran's right thumb disability, previously rated as decreased range of motion in the fingers of the right hand, residuals of a right hand injury, is denied an evaluation in excess of ten percent.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with IVDS is rated at 20 percent from July 15, 2014 to May 14, 2019.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating of his service-connected lumbar strain was denied. The current rating is 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The Veteran's back and shoulder conditions are remanded for further examination and opinion as the VA examinations were inadequate.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis, left ankle is being remanded as the VA has not provided a medical examination to determine if his current condition is related to military service.,The Veteran's claim for service connection for joint pain due to Camp Lejeune contaminated water is being remanded as the VA has not provided a medical examination to determine if his current condition is related to exposure at Camp Lejeune.

The Veteran's TMJ dysfunction has not manifested in the need for dietary restrictions to soft and semi-solid foods, as recorded or verified by a physician, or in interincisal range of less than 30 mm of maximum unassisted vertical opening during the relevant rating period.,The Veteran’s lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity may have increased in severity since the most recent VA examinations were provided.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including chronic headaches, cold weather exposure residuals, dental and jaw disorders, spinal issues, and eye problems, were denied as there was no evidence of in-service incurrence or a nexus to service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for specially adapted housing and special home adaptation grant is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The Veteran needs an examination to assess his service-connected disabilities and their impact on his ability to use aids such as braces, crutches, canes or a wheelchair.

The Veteran's claims for prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, neck condition, and degenerative arthritis of the spine were denied as there was no evidence of service connection or exposure to ionizing radiation.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral plantar fasciitis, back disability, and left hip degenerative arthritis. The Veteran's current diagnoses of these conditions are supported by medical evidence, and the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether they had their onset in service.

The Veteran's right and left knee disabilities have been rated at the maximum allowable under Diagnostic Codes 5261 (limitation of extension) and 5257 (recurrent subluxation or lateral instability). A separate 10 percent rating, but no higher, has been granted for lateral instability in both knees effective August 5, 2014. The Veteran's TDIU claim is also granted.

The Veteran's claims for clothing allowances related to knee braces, a manual wheelchair, diabetic shoes and inserts, and topical medication were denied. The decision grants payment of a clothing allowance for bilateral knee braces used due to service-connected disabilities that wore out his clothing in 2017.

The Veteran's right knee disability has increased in severity since his last VA examination, and he should be scheduled for a new examination to determine the current severity of his condition.

The Board has remanded the cases due to the need for updated VA examinations of the Veteran's knees.

The Board found no evidence of a current left or right shoulder disability that was incurred in service, and denied the Veteran's claims for service connection.

The Board denied service connection for a cervical spine disorder, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his active service and does not meet the criteria for direct service connection.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain updated VA examinations for the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine conditions due to their worsening since the last evaluations.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete development and the need for a VA examination.