Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Board has determined that the Veteran's osteoarthritis of the bilateral knees is not etiologically related to active service, including as due to his service-connected lumbar disc degeneration.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for lumbar strain with degenerative arthritis and granted it, finding new and material evidence that supports a causal relationship between the Veteran's current back disability and his in-service injury.

The Board denied service connection for right ear hearing loss, cervical spine disability, thoracic spine disability, and peripheral neuropathy disabilities of the lower extremities due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected osteoarthritis and Achilles tendonitis. The TDIU claim is also being deferred as it is intertwined with the rating claim.

The Veteran's left sciatic nerve compression with left leg radiculopathy and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and low back strain have been rated, but a higher rating is not granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a balance disorder of unknown etiology was granted with an effective date of March 28, 1979. The other issues were remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and inextricably intertwined with his claim for service connection for rheumatoid arthritis.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension at the aid and attendance or housebound rates was denied as he does not meet the criteria for either benefit due to his functional limitations.

The Board has granted service connection for right and left knee osteoarthritis and instability, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's in-service injuries.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a left hip disability, finding that there was no evidence of a hip injury or disability during service and noting inconsistencies in the Veteran's statements regarding his symptoms.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and remanded the remaining issues including rating claims, TDIU claim, and psychiatric disorder.

The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his left and right knee disabilities, as well as a TDIU rating prior to May 4, 2012, have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for osteoarthritis of the lumbar and cervical spine are being remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee condition was reopened due to new and material evidence. The Board found that the Veteran's current right knee osteoarthritis is related to his in-service combat-related injuries, thus granting service connection.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to evidence of worsening symptomatology and a need for a new VA examination.

The Board has granted service connection for a left hip condition (Osteoarthritis) as proximately due to his service-connected bilateral recurrent popliteal effusion/baker’s cyst with patellofemoral arthritis. The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for other conditions is remanded.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, left shoulder, bilateral foot, obstructive sleep apnea, sinusitis, and asthma disabilities due to additional evidentiary development being necessary.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability and associated radiculopathy are currently rated at various levels, but the Board has determined that additional development is needed to properly evaluate these conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for left shoulder osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service.