Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2015

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development, including a VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected right little finger disability and whether any neurological impairment exists. The case will also be referred to the Under Secretary for Benefits for consideration of an extraschedular evaluation.

The Board has remanded the case for a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's left shoulder condition, including range of motion and functional loss due to pain or other factors. The rating assigned will be determined based on the results of this examination.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disabilities, best characterized as lumbosacral strain and lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, are aggravated by his service-connected bilateral knee disability. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.

The Veteran's appeal has been dismissed as he withdrew his intent to pursue an increase in the ratings for his thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities.

The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy issues have been granted, with a rating of 40 percent effective November 25, 2014. The right lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent since that date.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and schedule him for a VA examination to assess the severity of his diabetes mellitus, type II. The left elbow fracture with degenerative arthritis claim will also be remanded for further development.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and further development of evidence.

For the period prior to August 15, 2013, the Veteran's left foot drop with neuropathy associated with osteoarthritis and degenerative spondylosis status post discectomy with lumbar IVDS was rated at 20 percent.,For the period on or after August 15, 2014, the Veteran's left foot drop with neuropathy associated with osteoarthritis and degenerative spondylosis status post discectomy with lumbar IVDS was not rated higher than 60 percent.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board videoconference or Travel Board hearing at the local RO in St Petersburg, Florida.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete service treatment records and inadequate examination opinions. The Veteran's claim for left knee disability is being returned to the AOJ for further development.

The Veteran's osteoarthritis of the left wrist is currently rated at 10 percent, but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there is no ankylosis or comparable impairment. The current rating adequately reflects his symptoms and functional limitations.

The Board found that the Veteran's current bilateral hand disabilities were not incurred during or as a result of service, and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's right shoulder impingement syndrome is service-connected as it was incurred during a period of active duty for training (ACDUTRA) in May 1995. The left shoulder condition, diagnosed as acromioclavicular joint degenerative osteoarthritis, is also considered service-connected based on direct evidence.

The Board has ordered a remand for the Veteran's claims of service connection for low back disability, bursitis, and cervical spine osteoarthritis. The case will be returned to the AOJ for additional development.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was denied as there is no credible evidence of a verified in-service stressor. The Veteran's current diagnoses do not meet the criteria for PTSD.

The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining his service personnel records and any SSA disability benefits information. The AOJ should also request updated VA treatment records.

The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral spine disability was denied prior to March 23, 2009. From that date forward, the claim was also denied.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to December 9, 2013 and has been rated at 40 percent since then. The cervical spine disability remains at 20 percent.

The Board found that the Veteran's death was not caused or substantially contributed to by any service-connected disability, as his cause of death was due to chronic edema/venous stasis and immobility from arthritis. The service-connected disabilities did not play a material role in causing his death.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining additional medical records and arranging a VA examination to assess his ability to secure or follow gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.