Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board found that the Veteran's right knee disability, characterized by limited flexion and extension with pain, warranted a single 10 percent rating based on limitation of motion. The Veteran was denied an increased rating for his service-connected right knee disability.

The Board denied the appellant's claim for a higher rate of DIC based on need for regular aid and attendance or being housebound due to her service-connected disability, as she did not meet the criteria for A&A or housebound benefits.

The Veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his service-connected right knee osteoarthritis. The Board has decided to remand the case due to the need for updated treatment records and a new VA examination.

The Veteran's appeal includes multiple issues related to his service-connected disabilities and a request for TDIU. The case is being remanded for scheduling a videoconference hearing before the Board.

The Veteran is granted an initial 10 percent rating for left knee osteoarthritis from August 10, 2010 to April 16, 2015 and a separate 10 percent rating for left knee instability effective August 10, 2010.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment for the entire appeal period.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a bilateral leg disability that is attributable to his active service, and therefore denied the claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disorder and bilateral hip osteoarthritis are caused or aggravated by his service-connected knee disability.

The Veteran's cold injury residuals involving the hands and feet, including any degenerative changes, are found to be caused by in-service exposure to extreme cold weather conditions during his service in Korea. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for financial assistance in the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment, or for adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's claim for SMC based on aid and attendance or housebound status is being remanded due to the need for additional VA treatment records and a VA examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left hip disability associated with a left knee strain, including arthritis of the hip and pelvis and a left hip strain, is granted. The effective date will be determined based on when entitlement to this benefit arose.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis and DDD of the lumbar spine are related to his military service, including his duties as a postal clerk. The evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether these conditions had their onset in service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus and osteoarthritis of the right shoulder are related to his active military service, granting service connection for both conditions.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current bilateral hip disability is at least as likely as not related to his period of active service, including playing tennis in service which may have contributed to the development of the condition. As such, the criteria for service connection are met.

The Veteran's right ear hearing loss and lumbar degenerative joint disease with intervertebral disc syndrome are service-connected, but the Veteran does not meet criteria for a higher rating for his acromioclavicular joint condition.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.

The Board found that the Veteran's current right ankle and lumbar spine disabilities are not related to service, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.

The Veteran's appeals have been withdrawn by his attorney in a June 2017 letter.

The Board has determined that it is factually ascertainable that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from retaining substantially gainful employment for a period of one year prior to his February 12, 2008 claim. Therefore, an effective date of August 20, 2007, but no earlier, has been granted for the award of TDIU.