Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his lumbar spine DDD/degenerative arthritis was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for hallux valgus with degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for a new examination.

The Veteran is granted a disability rating of 20 percent for osteoarthritis of the right great toe from September 1, 2010. A higher rating is denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right ankle disorder, diagnosed as osteoarthritis, began in service and is therefore granted service connection.

The Veteran was not found to be permanently and totally disabled due to nonservice-connected disabilities from August 22, 2007, to September 29, 2016.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's diagnosed neck condition did not have its onset during active service, did not manifest within one year of separation from active service, and was not caused by active service. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a neck disability is denied.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and assigned a disability rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's back disorder, effective from February 6, 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected PTSD, chronic right arm rotator cuff disability, degenerative joint disease of the right elbow, and right hand carpal tunnel syndrome contributed substantially in bringing about his death. Service connection for the cause of death is granted.

The Veteran's claim for a minimum compensable rating due to pain for degenerative arthritis of the left knee is granted for the period from August 20, 2008 to March 4, 2013. The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to June 29, 2015 for PTSD is denied.

The Board has remanded this case due to the need for further development and adjudication on other pending issues, including the issue of attorney fees. The appeal is currently in a state where it cannot be decided without addressing these other matters.

The Veteran's appeal includes claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the lower extremities. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records, conduct a VA examination, and readjudicate the issues.

The Veteran's claim for residuals of a bone chip in the shoulders has been denied as he does not have a current diagnosis of such condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right ankle disability, including degenerative arthritis, did not have its onset in service and was not manifested to a compensable degree within one year following service discharge. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Veteran's claim for increased rating, SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance, and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating for his ankle disability or for SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance.

The Veteran's claim for special monthly pension is denied as he does not meet the criteria for need of regular aid and attendance or permanent housebound status.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and providing a new VA examination to assess the severity of his knee, ankle, and low back disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed back, left ankle, bilateral hip, and bilateral knee disabilities are not related to service. The evidence does not show a current disability or any nexus between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to report for a scheduled hearing and lack of procedural documentation regarding the denial of VR&E benefits. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Board denied service connection for the Veteran's right hand condition, bilateral foot condition, and reactive airway disease due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his active service.