Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for an SOC on his increased rating claim and a VA examination to determine if he meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU.

The Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability and TDIU are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining updated VA treatment records and scheduling an orthopedic examination.

The Veteran's right knee disability is characterized by x-ray evidence of posttraumatic osteoarthritis, and is manifested by painful motion. The RO has granted a 10 percent rating for the service-connected posttraumatic osteoarthritis of the right knee.

The Veteran's claim for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected back disability, including ankylosing spondylitis and intervertebral disc syndrome, was granted. A separate disability rating for scar residuals from thoracic spine surgery is also granted. The temporary total disability rating due to surgical treatment on January 13, 2003, is granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for tinnitus is granted. The Veteran does not have a bilateral hearing loss disability for VA purposes.

The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent, and his additional disabilities combine to at least 60 percent during the appeal period. The claim for service connection for a bone disorder in the hips and back was remanded.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current bilateral knee and foot disorders are not related to his military service, and thus denied these claims.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the failure to schedule a Travel Board hearing at the requested location. The case will be returned for further development and consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral familial hand tremors and right shoulder degenerative arthritis are service-connected as they had their onset during his active duty periods.

The Board has determined that service connection is warranted for depression and has assigned a 10% disability rating effective December 22, 2016. The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the right hand will be rated at 10%.

The Board found that there is no evidence to support a finding that the Veteran's bilateral foot disability, including plantar fasciitis, pes planus, osteoarthritis, and mild hammertoes, had its onset in service or is otherwise related to service, or that it is related to or aggravated by the service-connected residuals, partial tear, of the left Achilles tendon.

The Veteran's cervical spondylosis and lumbar spine disability have been rated based on their service-connected nature. The Veteran is seeking higher initial evaluations for these conditions, but the current ratings of 20% for cervical spondylosis and 10% for the lumbar spine disability are maintained.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss but denied service connection for a bilateral foot disorder.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his relocation and the need for a new hearing date. The issues of service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar segment of the spine, and right foot disability are still pending.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome is service-connected, as it was incurred during his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's back disability is related to normal aging rather than service, but the Court vacated this decision and remanded for further consideration.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee degenerative arthritis is due to or a result of continuation treatment he had while on active duty. The Veteran's service records show mild degenerative changes in his knees from as early as two months prior to his entry into service, and there is no clear and unmistakable evidence to rebut this presumption.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine is not service connected as it did not manifest during service or within one year thereafter, and there is no evidence linking it to his service-connected left foot condition.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including his chronic fatigue syndrome and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, meet the criteria for special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The Veteran is in need of regular aid and assistance due to his physical or mental incapacity.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's previously denied claims for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative arthritis of the bilateral hips, and degenerative arthritis of the bilateral knees. The Board finds that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.