Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's bronchial asthma is rated at 60 percent, and she meets the criteria for a TDIU due to her service-connected disabilities.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral knee disabilities are not related to service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's claims are mixed, with some issues granted and others not. The primary issue is the evaluation for PTSD, which remains at 70 percent.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his bilateral knee conditions, finding that there was no evidence of a service connection for erectile dysfunction and insufficient evidence to support higher disability ratings for his left knee gonoarthritis with scars, right knee instability, and right knee osteoarthritis.

The Board has determined that additional development is needed to obtain the Veteran's Navy service records and Social Security Administration (SSA) records, as well as to provide a supplemental opinion regarding the etiology of his right knee osteoarthritis. The case will be remanded for these actions.

The Board has decided to remand the case for another VA examination due to an inadequate previous opinion and non-compliance with prior remand instructions.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right groin pain have been granted increased ratings effective September 4, 2015. The original claim for an increase in his service-connected lumbar spine condition was reopened due to new evidence (right groin pain and sciatica).

The Veteran's death was caused by an accidental drug overdose, which is considered the result of his own willful misconduct. The service-connected disabilities and prescribed medications did not contribute to his cause of death.

The Board found that the Veteran's bilateral hip arthritis is not related to his service-connected back disability and denied his claims for service connection.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for major depressive disorder with anxiety disorder and cannabis dependence (in remission) associated with lumbosacral strain, with degenerative arthritis of the spine and intervertebral disc syndrome was denied as there is no objective evidence that a formal or informal claim seeking this benefit was received by VA prior to November 29, 2011.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected lumbar disability and its impact on his ability to work. The TDIU claim will be adjudicated in conjunction with the initial rating claim.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current knee disability is not related to his active service and therefore denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for PTSD was granted, but the claim for service connection for erectile dysfunction and an increased rating for lumbar spine disability remains denied.

The Veteran's right knee and low back disabilities are related to his service-connected left knee, resulting in service connection being granted for these conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including left lower extremity osteoarthritis and other joint conditions, have resulted in significant impairment that affects his ability to locomote without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair. The Board finds the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether he meets the criteria for a certificate of eligibility for financial assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing.

The Veteran's cervical spine disability is not service-connected as it did not manifest during service and there is no evidence of a direct connection to his service-connected right knee or low back disabilities. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.

The Veteran's knee and back disorders are being remanded for further examination and development. The Board will consider the merits of his claims after obtaining necessary records.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are not service-connected as they do not meet the criteria for direct service connection due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's claimed conditions, including colitis, thoracic scoliosis, low back pain, polyarthritis of bilateral elbows and knees (claimed as rheumatoid arthritis), nephrolithiasis (kidney stones), a disability manifested by loss of balance, difficulty walking, standing, sitting, dehydration, suppressed immune system, and extreme fatigue due to Remicade infusion, pancreatitis, and restless leg syndrome. The effective date for these service connection decisions is not specified.

The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claim for service connection for a right knee disability. However, the evidence does not establish a link between the current right knee disability and service.