Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2019

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's bilateral hip osteoarthritis, finding that it is related to his service-connected bilateral ankle disability.

The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right knee degenerative arthritis prior to November 30, 2017 was denied as the evidence did not show flexion limited to 45 degrees or less, or by extension limited to 10 degrees or more.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis prior to July 6, 2018 and since October 1, 2018 was denied as the evidence did not show flexion limited to 45 degrees or less, or by extension limited to 10 degrees or more.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection and evaluation of various disabilities, including a lumbar spine disability, bilateral foot disabilities other than neuropathy, bilateral peripheral neuropathy of the feet, degenerative arthritis of the right knee, and entitlement to TDIU. The issues are inextricably intertwined.

The Board dismissed the claim for service connection of degenerative changes of the lumbar spine due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The other claims related to left knee replacement are remanded.

The Veteran's claims for service connection related to residuals of a right foot fracture, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, right shoulder glenohumeral joint osteoarthritis, recurrent dislocation, and tension headaches have been remanded due to the need for further development.,No effective date was assigned as the issues are still under review.

The Veteran's claims for left carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, PTSD, and TDIU are being remanded due to incomplete VA opinions and need for further examination.

The Board has decided to remand the claim for a left small finger disability due to incomplete records and the need for further development, including obtaining STRs and VA treatment records. A VA examination is also required.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance of his spouse is denied as there is insufficient evidence to establish that she required regular assistance with daily living activities.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 10 percent, but the Board found no evidence of functional loss or other conditions warranting a higher rating.

The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted, and his § 1151 claim for cervical spine degenerative arthritis is remanded for further development.

The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as her initial compensable disability ratings for cervical dysplasia and eczematous dermatitis.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's right knee disability is caused by or aggravated by his service-connected left knee disability.

The Veteran's service-connected left knee and lumbar spine disabilities cause wear and tear on his clothing, warranting a clothing allowance for the years 2017 and 2018.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to adequately attend to his daily living needs without regular aid and attendance, thus granting special monthly compensation based on this need.

The Veteran's bruxism, right ankle DJD/Arthritis, left shoulder acromioclavicular DJD and osteoarthritis, and deviated nasal septum have all been granted service connection.,However, the issue of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral ear disability beyond hearing loss and tinnitus (claimed as otitis media) remains pending.

The appellant's left lower extremity neuropathy with foot drop is rated at 80 percent, effective March 30, 2016. The appeal for specially adapted housing and TDIU prior to July 3, 2017, was granted.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection for shortened right leg, lumbar degenerative joint disease, and right hip osteoarthritis has been dismissed. The cases of lumbar degenerative joint disease and right hip osteoarthritis are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions. The case of right knee disability is also remanded as it requires a new examination.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further medical guidance to determine the exact nature of his June 2015 right hip surgery and its impact on his disability rating.

The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete or inadequate previous examinations.

The Veteran's left knee disability is granted, and a compensable evaluation for his service-connected surgical scar on the right knee is denied.