Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2018

The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and peripheral neuropathy of the lower left extremity sciatic nerve were denied as there was no evidence to support a rating in excess of 10 percent.

The Board has determined that additional evidence was added to the claims file after final decisions were made, and therefore, the issues are being remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been reopened and granted. The Board found that the evidence established a current disability, continuity of symptomatology since service, and a nexus between the claimed in-service injury or disease and the current condition.,Service connection has been granted for obstructive sleep apnea as it is related to active service.

The Board has granted service connection for a left knee disability and remanded the issue of an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for the right knee disability.

The Board has remanded the following issues: increased rating for thoracolumbar strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, initial rating in excess of 10 percent for sciatic nerve impingement of the right lower extremity associated with thoracolumbar strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, increased rating for left knee degenerative arthritis, and service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability. The RO must consider all evidence received since the last September 2016 statement of the case.

The Board denied service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disorders as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left wrist disability, finding that there was no evidence of a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left knee osteoarthritis, cervical spine disability, an acquired psychiatric disability (claimed as anxiety and depression), and PTSD. The case is remanded for further development.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the inadequacies of a previous VA examination and for further evidentiary development.

The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating in excess of 20 percent for residuals, injury low back, with degenerative arthritis is denied. The case is remanded for further examination and consideration of the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative joint disease, left knee.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU are being remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for his right knee osteoarthritis and meniscus injury was denied. He is currently rated at 10 percent for both conditions.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining or retaining substantially gainful employment prior to October 27, 2015. The Board found that he is entitled to an extraschedular TDIU effective December 16, 2014.

The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, but the issues of higher initial ratings and remand for additional examinations are still pending.

The Veteran's service connection claims for left and right knee, left and right foot, and back disabilities have been granted. The claim for special monthly pension based on the need for regular aid and attendance or by reason of being housebound is also remanded.

The Veteran's reduced rating for left hip strain with limitation of abduction, adduction, and rotation is restored to 10 percent.,A 10 percent rating effective December 8, 2015, for limited flexion of the left knee is granted.,The claim of entitlement to service connection for a right hip condition is remanded.