Osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) decisions — 2016

The Veteran's initial claim of a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability was granted, with an effective date of May 29, 2006. The Board remanded the case multiple times and in August 2013, he was assigned a 40 percent rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability since January 14, 2013.

The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and opinions regarding his claimed conditions.

The Veteran's current diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the right hand is related to his service, and the Board finds reasonable doubt in favor of the Veteran. Service connection for a right hand disability is granted.

The Veteran's left knee osteoarthritis and medial meniscectomy have been rated based on their current manifestations, with no additional rating granted for instability or flexion limitation.

The Veteran's right and left knee chondromalacia are each rated at 10 percent, with no higher ratings granted.,Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent. The cervical spine condition remains rated at 10 percent.,Propriety of separate ratings for radiculopathy in both upper and lower extremities has been addressed as part of the initial rating determinations.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for osteoarthritis is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development of his service-connected low back disability, including a new VA examination and the provision of any relevant medical records.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new VA examination and consideration of his claim based on additional evidence.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left knee disabilities, as well as his back disability, have been granted a 100 percent evaluation based on the total left knee replacement effective April 19, 2016. The remaining issues remain on appeal.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's bilateral ankle osteoarthritis is related to his service and grants service connection for this condition.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further evidentiary development, including a hearing and an examination to determine the nature and etiology of his lower back condition.

The Board has remanded the case for a Travel Board hearing due to scheduling issues and will be reconsidered after the hearing.

The Board has determined that the effective date for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with posttraumatic arthrosis of the right sacroiliac joint is August 31, 2001.

The Board has found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is related to service, specifically as a result of the August 1963 documented back injury. However, due to lack of VA treatment records and private treatment records prior to 2006, additional steps are required for remand.

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was initially granted with a 10% rating effective October 17, 2008. The RO has since increased the rating to 20%, 40%, and 20% for different periods of time.

The Veteran's left knee conditions have been rated at the maximum available rating of 10 percent, and no higher ratings are warranted based on the evidence.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his request for a Board videoconference hearing. The issues of service connection for various conditions remain unresolved.

The appeal has been dismissed as the appellant withdrew their appeal prior to a decision being made.

The Board has granted a 10% rating for the Veteran's left fifth finger fracture, effective from the date of the decision. The claim for bilateral hearing loss remains denied.