Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for his right knee disability and left epididymis orchitis with left hydrocele was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating for either condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the right hip, left hip, right ankle, and left ankle are at least as likely as not caused or aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disability.

The Veteran withdrew his appeals on the issues of entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for diabetes mellitus; entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the right knee; entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee instability; entitlement to a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine prior to December 20, 2016 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter; and entitlement to a compensable rating for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's knee and shin splint disabilities are related to his service, thus granting service connection for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's current left knee and low back disabilities are not related to service, as there were no chronic symptoms during or within one year after service. The evidence does not support a finding of continuity of symptomatology since service.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation, warranting a TDIU.

The Board has remanded the case for further development due to inadequate examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disability.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate VA examination reports, and a new examination is needed for range-of-motion testing on active and passive motion and in weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing positions.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine C5-C6, with right cervical radiculopathy due to lack of evidence linking his current disability to his active duty service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased evaluation are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining outstanding VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim of service connection for a bilateral knee disability. The Veteran's lay statements regarding his in-service fall have not been considered, and a VA examination is needed to address the possible nexus between the Veteran's in-service duties and his current bilateral knee disabilities.

The Board has remanded the case for a supplemental addendum opinion to address whether the Veteran's left knee replacement, tear of the meniscus with a large popliteal cyst, and osteoarthritis are related to service or any service-connected conditions.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, but denied the remaining issues of increased ratings and secondary service connection. The Veteran is still seeking higher ratings for his back, left knee, and bilateral wrist disabilities.

The Veteran's tinnitus, headaches, lower back disability, and depression are all service-connected.,Right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 50 percent, while hypothyroidism remains at a 10 percent rating.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination and issuing an SSOC.

The Veteran's left shoulder condition, including arthritis and instability, is rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 5303 for severe instability.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn due to a request for withdrawal prior to the Board's decision.

The Board found that the Veteran does not have a currently diagnosed respiratory disability and denied service connection for this condition. The Board also did not find any evidence of asbestos exposure during service, which was necessary to establish service connection for sleep apnea.

The appeal is REMANDED to the AOJ for further development of the issues, including a new examination and issuance of a Statement of the Case (SOC) with respect to certain claims.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current lower back disability, skin cancer residuals, or gastrointestinal disorder/Barrett's esophagus that is related to his period of service.,Service connection for these conditions cannot be established as there is no evidence of disease or injury during service and no medical opinion linking any current condition to service.