Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD and spine and right knee disabilities, but severed service connection for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The effective date for the grant of service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, cervical spine, and limitation of flexion in the right knee is set at April 27, 2012.

The Veteran's appeal for a compensable rating for service-connected history of rheumatic fever was withdrawn. The claim for secondary service connection for anxiety is denied. The claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 50 percent for service-connected depression is denied. The claim for a compensable rating for service-connected Bell's palsy is denied.

The Board found that the Veteran's current diagnoses of knee strain, meniscal tear, and joint osteoarthritis are not related to his active military service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of records and need for a supplemental opinion regarding service connection for low back disorder.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 7, 2014.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's tinnitus, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, and left ear hearing loss are all service-connected. The tinnitus is presumed to have been incurred during active duty due to noise exposure. The degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is considered a chronic condition that became manifest within one year of separation from active duty. The left ear hearing loss is not service connected as it did not become manifest within one year of separation and there is no evidence of aggravation by service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current right knee disability is etiologically related to his active service, and thus grants service connection for this condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current left knee disorders are caused by his service-connected right knee disability, and thus grants service connection for these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip and knee osteoarthritis, as well as his flat feet, were not incurred or aggravated during service. The claims are therefore denied.

The Veteran's right knee disability, including his total knee replacement surgery, is rated at 60 percent since September 1, 2014. The claim for an increased evaluation prior to July 2, 2013, remains pending.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is being remanded for additional examination and development due to conflicting information regarding the presence and severity of incapacitating episodes.

The Board has granted service connection for osteoarthritis of the left knee. The issue of service connection for a right knee disorder is addressed in the REMAND portion and will be remanded.

The Veteran's right tibia fracture with osteoarthritis is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.

The Board found that the Veteran's current back, left arm, and left leg disorders are not directly related to his service or a service-connected disability. The Veteran's chronic left flank pain is also not considered the cause of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is denied as there is no evidence of a moderately severe foot injury or worse, which would warrant a higher rating under the applicable VA Rating Schedule. The current noncompensable ratings for each foot are upheld.

The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,Service connection for radiculopathy in both lower extremities was also denied, with the Board finding that there is no current evidence of such conditions.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's left knee and low back disabilities on a secondary basis to his service-connected left ankle disability.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability and bilateral knee disability are related to his active service, with no evidence of pre-service or post-service incurrence. The claims for service connection have been granted.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected allergic rhinitis, and thus grants service connection for this condition.