Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's left foot disability, characterized by degenerative arthritis and incomplete paralysis of the anterior tibial nerve, is rated at 20 percent. His bilateral hearing loss does not warrant a compensable evaluation.

The Veteran's right ankle disorder was rated at 30 percent prior to February 23, 2011 and increased to 40 percent effective February 13, 2013. The Board found that the criteria for a higher rating were not met before February 23, 2011 but since then, the right ankle disorder warranted a 40 percent rating.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension has been granted. The Board also found that the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the right knee, left knee, and posttraumatic muscle tension headaches were incurred in service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a bilateral knee disability was denied, and his claim for an increased rating for right ankle neuropathy was also denied. The issue of TDIU is not addressed as a separate issue from the service connection claims.

The Board has granted service connection for lumbosacral strain and lumbar degenerative disc disease, as well as chondromalacia patella and degenerative arthritis of the right knee and left knee, all related to the Veteran's active military service.

The Veteran's service-connected osteoarthritis, status post left total hip replacement, is productive of no more than moderately severe residuals of weakness, pain, and limitation of motion, without more severe residuals. The Board finds that the 50 percent rating represents the greatest level of severity throughout the entire course of the appeal.

The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that it is at least as likely as not related to a long history of post-service occupational activity and use.,Service connection was denied for degenerative arthritis of the right hip and left hip due to lack of evidence showing an in-service injury or aggravation.

The Board found that the Veteran's left shoulder disability, rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5201, does not warrant a higher rating as it does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.

The Board has determined that additional VA examinations are needed for the Veteran's right shoulder and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as to determine the etiology of his current right ankle disability. The case is being remanded for these purposes.

The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability was granted a 40 percent evaluation prior to April 18, 2014. The right lower extremity radiculopathy received a separate 20 percent evaluation prior to that date.

The Veteran's sleep disability is rated at 20 percent, and his bilateral knee disabilities are each rated at 10 percent. The Board finds that these ratings do not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and TDIU was granted. The Veteran is now entitled to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for hypertension and restored the 50% rating for headaches. The claim for increased rating of low back strain with degenerative disc disease and sacroiliac joint osteoarthritis is denied. TDIU remains pending.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at the maximum allowable under the rating schedule, which grants a 40 percent disability rating effective August 22, 2006.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational background.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining updated treatment records and scheduling a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of any current right knee disability. The Veteran's service connection claim will be reconsidered based on the new evidence.

The Veteran is seeking service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease of the right hip, both claimed as secondary to a right foot injury. The Board has remanded this case due to procedural issues.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn, and the Board is dismissing the case as a result.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development of his claims, including obtaining updated VA and private medical records.

The Veteran's IBS, HH, and GERD are currently rated at 30 percent under Diagnostic Code 7319 for irritable colon syndrome. The criteria for a higher rating (60%) require symptoms of pain, vomiting, material weight loss and hematemesis or melena with moderate anemia; or other symptom combinations productive of severe impairment of health. None of these symptoms have been shown.,The Veteran's hypertension is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 7101. The criteria for a higher rating (20%) require diastolic pressure predominantly 110 or more, or systolic pressure predominantly 200 or more. None of these conditions have been shown.