Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's appeal for TDIU was denied due to the lack of evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation as a result of his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's dysthymic disorder with PTSD and related disabilities have been rated at 70 percent since November 19, 2003. The effective date for the TDIU rating has also been established as of that date.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and bilateral L5-S1 radiculopathy, but denied service connection for cervical spine muscle spasms, left upper extremity radiculopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes.

The Board has reopened the claim of service connection for a low back disability and granted entitlement to this condition. The Veteran's current diagnoses include osteoarthritis in his right leg, left knee, hips, and headaches, all presumed secondary to his service-connected low back disability.

The Board has remanded the case for a VA examination to determine if the Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from engaging in any type of gainful employment, with physical or sedentary work. The case is also referred to the Director for extra-schedular consideration on the issue of entitlement to TDIU.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right knee osteoarthritis did not manifest in service or within a year after service, was not related to service, and was not caused by or aggravated by her service-connected right foot disability. Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cause of death, respiratory failure due to COPD, is related to his service-connected shell fragment wound of the right chest status post removal of 2.5 inches of the rib, Muscle Group XXI.

The Board found that the February 2006 rating decision awarding a separate 10 percent rating for residuals of left knee injury was clearly and unmistakably erroneous due to pyramiding, and thus reduced this rating. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet eligibility requirements for automobile and adaptive equipment or adaptive equipment only.

The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 20 percent prior to December 10, 2010 and 40 percent thereafter. The right hip disability is rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and service connection was denied. His claim for right shoulder disability is pending as it has not been adjudicated yet.

The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the residuals of a right mid-clavicle fracture with shortening, finding that the Veteran's arm motion is limited at the shoulder level. The compensable rating for the residuals of a right fifth metacarpal fracture and associated wrist symptoms remains unchanged.

The Veteran's service-connected scars of the right thumb and residuals of a right thumb injury with angulation defect and osteoarthritis are rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for these conditions.

The Board found that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis, back disorder, and diabetes mellitus were not incurred or aggravated by service. The VA examiner determined that there was insufficient evidence to link these conditions to his military service.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder, cervical spine, and thoracolumbar spine conditions are not service-connected as they were not incurred or aggravated during his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have resulted in the need for regular aid and attendance, which has been granted.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hip degenerative disease and bilateral knee arthritis as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with osteoarthritis. The Veteran is also granted a rating of 10 percent for his lumbar strain.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder, manifested by degenerative arthritis of the spine and spinal stenosis, is related to injuries sustained during service. As such, the appeal for service connection is granted.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's right wrist disability, including reconciling medical records showing various diagnoses. The Veteran is also asked to provide any outstanding treatment records from September 2016.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral shoulder disability was not incurred in service and denied his claim for service connection. The TDIU issue is remanded as it requires further development.

The Board has granted service connection for left ear hearing loss. The Veteran's foot and knee disabilities, as well as his lumbar spine disability, are not currently addressed in this decision.