Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) Board decisions

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 70%, which meets the schedular criteria for TDIU. However, the evidence does not support a finding that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to these conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis is not related to service and denied his claim for service connection. The issue of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral eye condition was remanded, but no supplemental statement of the case has been issued yet.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development to ensure a complete record upon which to decide the claims for higher evaluations for his service-connected left hip and lumbar spine disabilities.

The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain additional medical opinions and examinations regarding the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and left ear hearing loss. The issues of service connection for these conditions are being returned to the AOJ for further action.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a left ankle disorder is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including an addendum opinion from the VA examiner regarding the etiology of any diagnosed conditions in his left foot or ankle.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and consideration of the claims of service connection for left knee and right knee osteoarthritis.

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disabilities did not manifest during active military service and are not related to a disease, injury, or event during service.

The Veteran's claims for service connection were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of in-service exposure to herbicides, and thus could not establish presumptive service connection based on Agent Orange exposure. Additionally, there was no direct or secondary service connection established.

The Veteran's right shoulder disability, which is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5203 for malunion of the clavicle or scapula, has been increased to a 20 percent rating effective from March 18, 2014.

The Veteran's initial rating for lumbar strain remains at 10 percent, effective March 30, 2010.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine, right wrist, left wrist, right hand (palm disorder), left hand (palm disorder), right shoulder, left shoulder osteoarthritis, right knee, and left knee disorders are not service-connected.

The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have current right ear hearing loss for VA purposes and therefore, service connection for this condition is denied.

The Veteran's left knee disability, characterized by pain and limited range of motion, does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The Veteran's bilateral pes planus is rated at 30 percent, effective from the date of this decision. The separate noncompensable rating for hammertoes remains in effect. Right and left knee tendonitis with chondromalacia and osteoarthritis are each rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's appeal of all remaining issues has been withdrawn by his representative.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his left knee instability and degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and requesting an addendum from the May 2012 VA examiner to address whether his low back disability was aggravated by his service-connected bilateral pes planus and left thigh quadriceps muscle herniation.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current diagnosed sleep apnea, skin disorder (neurodermatitis), and low back disorder are related to his period of service.,However, the evidence does not establish a direct relationship between these conditions and his military service.

The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability did not have its onset in service and denied his claim for service connection.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and arranging for a VA examination to assess the severity of his shoulder disabilities. The issues include seeking higher ratings for service-connected left and right shoulder conditions and determining if he qualifies for TDIU.