Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for IVDS with degenerative arthritis of the spine is denied. A rating of 60 percent, but no higher, is granted as of July 8, 2019.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for chronic pain syndrome, increased ratings for postoperative PCL and ACL tears of the left knee with instability, and degenerative arthritis of the left knee were denied. The Board found no current diagnosis of chronic pain syndrome and that the Veteran is already compensated for his left knee pain due to service-connected conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, and TDIU is therefore denied.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for cervical spine degenerative arthritis, finding that entitlement to this benefit arose on January 24, 2019.

The Board denied service connection for a disability of the left knee, finding that the Veteran's current condition is not related to his in-service chondromalacia and pain. The evidence did not establish an in-service injury or link between the current condition and service.

The Veteran's service-connected right shoulder disability has been rated at 20 percent since June 1, 2012. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to functional limitations and pain.

The Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by osteochondritis dissecans with degenerative arthritis, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to lack of limitation in range of motion.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities has been established, resulting in the grant of special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance/housebound.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to an inadequate VA examination, and a new examination is required.

The Board denied service connection for a low back disability and left ankle disability, finding that the Veteran's lumbar strain pre-existed his entry into service and was not aggravated by service. The claims were also denied as secondary to a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral knee degenerative arthritis, and bilateral pes planus were all found to be caused by service. The left knee meniscus tear was not related to service.,Service connection for the Veteran’s bilateral knee and foot disabilities (including bilateral pes planus) has been granted.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim of service connection for left knee disability, osteoarthritis of the left knee, and radiculopathy (claimed as residuals from left knee injury) due to a lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active military service.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's chronic left hip disability, including the need for a hip replacement, is found to be at least as likely as not related to service. The Board granted service connection based on direct evidence of an in-service injury.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's claim that his right knee arthritis is a result of wear and tear over 24 years as an aircraft mechanic.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 10% from July 1, 2017 to January 16, 2018 and then increased to 20% effective January 17, 2018. The radiculopathy in the right lower extremity (RLE) was reduced from 20% to 10% effective January 17, 2018. Both ratings are maintained.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed foot and knee conditions are not related to service, and therefore denied all claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for left and right knee osteoarthritis, cataracts, and bilateral elbow disabilities have been granted. The claim for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for hypothyroidism has been remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted his claim for TDIU.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine, lumbar spine, and left shoulder disabilities due to insufficient examination reports. The Veteran must provide VA with private healthcare provider records and VA treatment records after March 2016. A new VA spine and shoulder examinations are needed.