Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected bilateral pes planus with bilateral great toe osteoarthritis was rated at 50% effective March 24, 2016. Prior to that date, the disability had been rated as 0%. The increase in severity of symptoms occurred on or after July 18, 2013.

The Board finds that the Appellant's lumbar spine disorder and bilateral hand neurological disorders are not related to his service, as there is no evidence of a chronic condition during service or continuity of symptomatology after service. The VA examiners concluded that these conditions were less likely caused by or aggravated by military service.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for her right knee disability was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to October 14, 2010; from January 1, 2011 to March 20, 2012; and from June 1, 2012 to August 27, 2012. The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 30 percent since October 1, 2013 was also denied.

The Veteran's right knee degenerative arthritis with three scars has not resulted in a disability rating higher than 10 percent prior to November 2016.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not render him unemployable due to their combined effect, as his overall disability rating is at least 70% and he has the ability to perform substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected right knee disability, characterized by degenerative arthritis with extensive cartilage loss, chronic ACL tear, and extensive medial meniscus tear, warrants a 20 percent rating for the entire period covered by this claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is related to his service, and thus, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the Veteran's right knee disability, including lateral meniscal tear and osteoarthritis. The claim for scars was not granted.

The Board finds that the Veteran's current diagnosed lumbar degenerative arthritis is not caused by or aggravated by his service-connected right knee and left hip disabilities.

The Veteran's claim is being remanded for additional medical opinions to address the impact of his service-connected scoliosis on his other thoracolumbar spine disabilities and any possible neurological complications.

The Veteran's service-connected conditions have resulted in the loss of use of both feet and render him so helpless as to be in need of regular aid and attendance. The appeal for SMC based on aid and attendance is granted, and the appeal for financial assistance for the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance and adaptive equipment is also granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical opinions and records to address his claims of increased ratings for right knee disability and pseudofolliculitis barbae, as well as service connection for a left knee condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a videoconference hearing.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral lower extremity disorder, finding that her current condition is not related to her period of active duty. The remaining issues on appeal are pending and will require further development as per the April 2015 remand directives.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected left knee disability and to address any additional limitation of motion due to weakened movement, excess fatigability, incoordination, or pain during flare-ups and/or with repeated use.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected right knee osteoarthritis contributed substantially or materially to cause his death from a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

The Board denied service connection for rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative arthritis of the elbows, and degenerative arthritis of the knees as there is no current diagnosis of these conditions.

The Board has granted a 10 percent rating for the left elbow disability prior to October 14, 2014 and an initial 30 percent rating for bilateral flatfoot (fibromatosis) effective October 14, 2014. The Veteran's claims for liver disorder, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, and muscle pain, cramps, numbness, weight loss and gain, and joint pain are denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee disability, including osteoarthritis and a total knee replacement, is not service-connected. The Veteran was also denied TDIU due to his inability to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment.