Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's cervical spine and erectile dysfunction claims have been denied as there is no evidence of a current disability related to service or a service-connected condition.

The Veteran's left knee disability, including his status post total left knee replacement and degenerative arthritis of the left knee, has been granted increased ratings. The left knee replacement received a 30% rating prior to July 17, 2012, and a 60% rating thereafter. The initial disability rating for degenerative arthritis of the left knee was also granted.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for colon cancer and a right ankle disability, finding that there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease resulting in these conditions.

The Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, anxiety, and depressive disorder, is not related to service or a service-connected disability.,The Veteran has a current back disability, to include degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, but it did not become manifest within one year after service separation.

The Veteran's claim for a temporary total rating due to bilateral surgical fasciotomies is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination and opinion regarding the etiology of her lower leg symptoms or compartment syndrome.

The Board has ordered a remand to obtain additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's back disability, specifically addressing whether it is related to his military service. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to evaluate the severity of the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and determine if any additional compensable ratings are warranted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further development, including scheduling a VA examination to evaluate his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board finds that the evidence is at least in equipoise on the question of a nexus between the Veteran's service and his diagnosed degenerative arthritis of the low back. Resolving reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran, the claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the low back is granted.

The Veteran's claim for an increased initial evaluation for his right knee degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining medical records and scheduling a VA examination.

The Veteran's right Achilles tendon rupture with degenerative arthritis, status post-surgical repair with scar is rated at the maximum schedular rating of 30 percent. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 30 percent. Service connection was granted for cervical spine disability and bilateral hearing loss.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is found to be at least as likely as not incurred during service, and therefore service connection for this condition is granted.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his in-service injury and ongoing symptoms.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his service-connected abdominal shell fragment wound and left hip disability, as well as his claim for specially adaptive housing and special home adaptation due to inextricably intertwined issues. The case is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied as the Veteran failed to report for VA examinations without good cause.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disorder did not have its onset during active service and is not related to active service. The claim for service connection for a right knee disorder, including degenerative arthritis, to include as secondary to his service-connected left knee condition, has been denied.

The Veteran's claim for a special monthly compensation (SMC) based on need for aid and attendance is granted. The claims for increased ratings for peripheral neuropathy are denied.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or limitation of motion beyond what is already reflected in the current 20 percent rating.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and bilateral knee osteoarthritis, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service. The claim for increased rating of lumbar spine disability is remanded due to a need for a new VA examination.,The Veteran's current complaints regarding his lumbar spine condition suggest a worsening since the last examination in January 2012.

The Veteran's right wrist, ankle, and knee disabilities are found to be related to service. Her acquired psychiatric disorder is also found to be related to service.