Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right hip osteoarthritis is not related to his service, as it was a congenital defect and did not develop due to any in-service injury or aggravation.

The Board found that the Veteran's currently diagnosed left knee degenerative arthritis is not related to his military service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee, left knee, and lumbar spine disabilities are related to service. The evidence is at least in equipoise regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to May 8, 2012, and a rating in excess of 30 percent after May 8, 2012, for right knee medial collateral ligament strain with osteoarthritis based on limitation of motion was denied.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for anemia and bilateral knee disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and a medical examination.

The Veteran's low back disability is related to service and granted.,There is no current diagnosis of a nerve condition in the lower extremities, thus denying claims for these conditions.

The Veteran's left hip disability is service connected as a manifestation of his already service-connected arthritis. The right foot osteoarthritis has been rated at the lowest possible level due to its current severity.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining an addendum opinion from a VA examiner and ensuring that any additional development is completed. The Veteran's left shoulder disability will be reviewed to determine if it is related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU benefits are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a VA examination.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder strain and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis did not manifest during or as a result of active military service, nor were they shown to be related to such service. The claims for neck condition and back condition were also denied.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for pes planus and an increased rating for degenerative arthritis of the left knee. The Veteran's pre-existing pes planus was not aggravated by active duty, as there is no evidence that it worsened during service. For his left knee disability, the VA examiner found no aggravation due to service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for headaches, joint pain, muscle cramps, and a skin disability is granted. The claims for irritable bowel syndrome, memory loss, and bilateral hand disabilities are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of right ear hearing loss, osteoarthritis of the ankles or knees, hypertension, or gastritis for VA benefits purposes. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's bilateral knee disorders have been granted increased ratings, with the left knee receiving a 20 percent rating effective November 1, 2012. The low back disorder claim was withdrawn prior to January 9, 2012.

The Board granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's thoracolumbar degenerative arthritis, status post L4-5 lumbar laminectomy since March 16, 2017. The claim was previously denied in January 2015 and remanded by the Board.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including a new VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination with a rheumatologist to address the nature and etiology of all joint disorders, including arthritis. The examiner should provide an opinion as to whether it is at least as likely as not that the Veteran's disabilities have been caused or aggravated by his service-connected PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his right and left knee disorders have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating schedule.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for a TDIU as his combined disability rating is only 70 percent, which does not meet the requirement of at least one disability rated at 40 percent or more with a combined rating of 70 percent or more. The Board finds that the Veteran is not unemployable solely due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran is not in need of regular aid and attendance, as he can perform most activities of daily living without significant assistance.